Today, there are millions of people who earn their money online. According to a 2015 report published by Freelancers Union, there are about 54 million people in America only that work as freelancers. Some decide to start their own online business, which is no easy task. Great business ideas and a well-designed marketing plan is what you need to learn how to make money online. You can turn your ideas into reality with some basic skills, a domain and hosting. The niche you choose will be your combat arena, so choose your weapons and dive in.
- Translate
If you are fluent in two or more languages, then earning money by translating would be no problem. Whether it is translating various texts and documents, replying to company emails, or negotiating deals for an import-export agent – there is work out there. You can set up professional translation services or work part time via freelance websites.
- Become a Virtual Assistant
Depending on the job role, a virtual assistant can charge $20-30. The most common tasks that virtual assistants deal with are: product listings, responding to emails, research, and blogger outreach. It’s a flexible job that allows you to maintain multiple clients at once. You can easily work overtime or fill gaps in your week whenever you wish.
- Outsource
The outsourcing industry is heavily on the rise, and there are new business opportunities in the international marketplace, thanks to the intersection of globalization and technology. Companies, small or big, all outsource their workforce today. So, why not start a business that focuses solely on outsourcing? Everybody needs external help at some point, so outsource the work and take a profit margin instead of doing the work yourself.
- Social Media Marketing
Business leaders recognize the importance of social media presence, and they pay people who know how to take all the advantages and manage social media profiles. They employ other people to do it because usually they do not have the time to get involved with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Build up attractive social media profiles, attract potential clients, and raise brand awareness.
- Run an Ecommerce Store
Creating a fully functional and easy-to-use online Ecommerce store has actually never been easier. You can have it designed for as little as $500-600, get a domain and hosting, and invest in good marketing strategies such as: networking, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), print media, and event sponsorship. Set up an online store, utilize a secure ecommerce payment gateway, and start selling.
- Train and Mentor
There are various skills that can be taught online, with free services that Skype or other messenger programs provide. You could help people improve their writing skills, teach a language, offer marketing training, or teach/mentor in other skills you mastered in. Offer a freemium model – free accounts with limited features, and then charge for account upgrades.
- Paid Blogging
Companies and individuals who own their websites are always in search of high quality content. If you are an experienced writer, you could offer blog posting services. Rookies can usually charge about $1.5 per 100 words, but after you prove good and start working on more complex projects, you could charge $5-15 per 100 words. Check out sites like Upwork and People Per Hour for freelance writing gigs.
- Web Design
No smart business owner would make that crucial mistake of not having a well-designed and user-friendly website. Those who have skills in web development need practically no investment in order to start designing logos and websites for those who need it. Build up your skill set by taking online web design courses and learn the basics of coding, start building your portfolio, and offer your services.
- Build apps
If you are already upgrading your skills in coding, you can also use them to build apps. You would have to go through an extensive 12-month training (in CodeAcademy) before being able to build high sales apps. The market is quite large, but so is the competition. However, if you have an idea for a great and interesting app, you should definitely try to realize it.
- Sell on eBay
Now, it is not that easy to sell successfully on eBay. What you should do is to target a niche where the competition is low and profit margins are high. After you find a supplier and choose the right product, you can import items and make a big profit.
These are just some of the most common ways of earning money online. Find something you are great at, upgrade your skills, and offer your services or products online. When there is a huge demand for something, then you can get paid by giving a good offer, right? Good luck!
