What are the pros and cons of dropshipping?
What are the pros and cons of the dropshipping business model? Read our guide and sell products online without managing inventory.
Start a print-on-demand business today
Looking for legitimate ways to make money online? Whether you need fast extra money or a sustainable passive income stream, we have you covered!
Discover 30 ways to earn money online, from starting an online store with Printify to using AI-powered tools to speed up services, content creation, and digital products. Each idea explains what it involves, who it’s best for, and how to get started without guesswork.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
1. eCommerce and digital products
eCommerce and digital products are some of the most reliable ways to make money online by creating value once and selling it repeatedly.
From launching a no-inventory print-on-demand online store with custom t-shirts to selling profitable online courses, this category is excellent for establishing scalable passive income streams.
Sell print-on-demand (POD) products
POD is one of the lowest-risk ways to make money online, because you sell custom products through an online store without buying inventory upfront.
You create the designs; our Print Providers handle the printing, fulfillment, and shipping. It’s a streamlined way to earn money and build a scalable source of passive income once you start gaining traffic.
Best for: Anyone willing to manage an online store and earn money by selling original designs.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. You can make a lot of money selling custom shirts, but success depends on design quality, niche selection, and marketing. Expect to spend time learning the tools and testing what actually sells before income becomes consistent.How to start: With platforms like Printify, you can start an online store with no money. Register for free, pick your items, customize the design, and connect your online store. When a customer buys, Print Providers handle production and shipping, so you can start making money online fast.
Make it happen today!
Sell digital products
Sell digital products to unlock passive income. Once you create items like courses, eBooks, templates, or software, sell them repeatedly with no extra work. It’s one of the most scalable ways to earn online, letting your skills generate revenue long after the initial creation.
Best for: Content creators, designers, educators, and anyone with expertise and specialized skills.
Difficulty: Moderate. Creating a high-quality product takes effort. To market it effectively, you need to identify a niche and leverage your socials or website.
How to start: Create a product that solves a specific problem or meets a need. Make design templates on Canva or create online courses on Udemy. Sell on those platforms, list your digital products on Etsy, or promote your own site.
Sell stock images and videos
Sell stock images and videos to turn your photo or video skills into passive income. Businesses and creators constantly need ready-to-use visuals for marketing and content. While uploads can generate repeat sales over time, success usually depends on volume, keywording, and consistent uploads.
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Best for: Photographers and videographers.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Uploading is simple, but earning a steady income requires strong metadata and understanding what buyers actually search for.
How to start: Create high-quality content and submit your work to platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Focus on trending topics and high-demand niches. You can also sell those as digital items on Etsy or your own store – an excellent way to make money as an artist.
Sell handmade goods
Sell handmade goods by turning your crafting skills into an online income stream. Selling unique items like jewelry, candles, or original art is one of the best ways to make money on Etsy and Facebook Marketplace, where shoppers actively look for one-of-a-kind, high-quality products.
Best for: Crafters and artists.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. You’ll need time to create products and market your store, but passion makes it enjoyable.
How to start: List your items on Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or Facebook Marketplace. Use Instagram to showcase your creations and attract buyers.
Sell AI art
Sell AI art by using tools like Adobe Express, MidJourney, or DALL·E to create unique visual assets from your prompts. Turn these designs into digital products, offer custom prints through Print on Demand, or take commissions. Success depends on originality, prompt quality, and understanding how each platform handles licensing and commercial use.
Best for: Artists and creative individuals who enjoy experimenting with new AI tools.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. While creating the art itself is simple, standing out requires strong concepts, consistent style, and clear positioning.
How to start: Check out some AI art prompts, write down ideas, and experiment with various AI tools. Choose your preferred sales channel, set up a store, and start selling.
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How to use Midjourney and clever Midjourney prompts for inspiration.
Sell printables
Sell printables by creating downloadable items like planners, budget sheets, or wall art that customers print at home. With no inventory and minimal startup costs, this is a simple, low-barrier way to build consistent passive income through digital products.
Best for: Creatives who enjoy making functional, printable designs.
Difficulty: Easy. Creating digital printables requires basic design skills, while sales depend on clear descriptions, strong previews, and choosing the right marketplace.
How to start: Design your products using Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or other alternatives. Sell printables on Etsy or your own website.
Create online subscription boxes
Create online subscription boxes to build a reliable, recurring income. Monthly digital packages, such as exclusive course modules, curated resources, or premium study materials, create a steady revenue stream while growing a loyal community. This model also pairs well with affiliate promotion for faster expansion.
Best for: Educators, creators, and professionals who can deliver ongoing value in a defined niche.
Difficulty: Moderate. Success depends on identifying a specific audience, consistently delivering high-quality content, and marketing effectively to grow your subscriber base.
How to start: Build a business plan outlining your subscription’s niche and value. Manage subscriptions using platforms like Patreon or Memberful and create packages using tools like Adobe. Promote your service through social media channels and consider collaborating with an affiliate network or social media and YouTube influencers.
Develop an app
Developing an app means using technical skills to solve a specific problem for users, then monetizing through subscriptions, ads, or one-time purchases. While the upside can be significant, most apps require strong validation, ongoing updates, and user acquisition to generate meaningful income.
Best for: Developers or founders with coding experience and the ability to maintain and update software over time.
Difficulty: High. Beyond development, success depends on testing, app store optimization, and ongoing marketing to attract and retain users.
How to start: Validate a real user problem, outline core features, and build a basic version using tools like Xcode (for iOS) or Android Studio (for Android). Once complete, you’ll need to register as a developer with Apple or Google, follow their submission guidelines, and publish your app on the App Store or Google Play. Update your app regularly based on user feedback.
Write eBooks for Kindle
Write eBooks for Kindle to turn your expertise or storytelling into passive income. Publishing through Amazon KDP lets your book earn ongoing royalties with no inventory or upfront costs. If it gains traction, expand with print-on-demand merchandise and promote it on social media for extra revenue.
Best for: Writers, educators, and subject-matter experts.
Difficulty: Moderate. Writing a high-quality eBook takes time, but once published, it can generate consistent sales.
How to start: Write your eBook, format it, and publish it on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Promote via Amazon ads and your own social media. Additionally, if your book takes off, create fun designs on various POD products and earn more in merchandise sales.
2. Freelancing and other services
Freelancing lets you use existing skills to earn money online by offering services directly to clients, often without upfront costs or long setup times.
Whether you provide virtual assistance, graphic design, or specialized consulting, you can set your own rates and get paid for freelance work from your own home.
Offer freelance services
Offer freelance services to quickly start earning online. Skills like writing, programming, and graphic design can be sold on a project basis, allowing you to control your rates and schedule. It’s an accessible way for beginners to make money online.
Best for: Skilled professionals in areas like writing, translating, proofreading, design, or tech.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. You’ll need to find gigs and establish a reputation, but there are platforms to help you.
How to start: Sign up on sites like Fiverr and Upwork, clearly outline your services, and apply for relevant projects. Strong proposals and early reviews help attract consistent clients.
Manage social media accounts
Manage social media accounts to help small businesses grow on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. A social media manager helps brands stay visible and consistent, turning marketing skills into paid client work.
Best for: Social media-savvy individuals with marketing skills.
Difficulty: Moderate. Results depend on platform knowledge, consistency, and the ability to show measurable growth to clients.
How to start: Reach out to small businesses or use freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients. Pitch social media management services, ideally with clear examples of past work.
Become a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant provides remote administrative support for businesses, handling tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry. Working as a virtual assistant is a common way to earn income online without needing a physical office.
This flexible, high-demand role is ideal for organized individuals with strong communication skills and a reliable internet connection.
Best for: Organized, detail-oriented individuals.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Finding clients and juggling tasks can be challenging initially, but organization is key.
How to start: Sign up on platforms like Belay or Upwork, list your skills, and pitch to businesses needing support.
Work in remote customer service
Work in remote customer service to earn money from home by assisting customers through chat, email, or phone. Many businesses hire and provide training, making this an accessible way to start earning online with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
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Best for: People with strong communication skills and the ability to follow scripts and processes.
Difficulty: Easy. Most companies provide the tools and training needed, though handling some customers can be challenging.
How to start: Look for openings on sites like Indeed or FlexJobs. Many companies hire remote agents for part-time and full-time roles.
Do voice acting
Do voice acting to earn money online by recording audio for commercials, podcasts, animations, and audiobooks. With basic recording equipment and a strong portfolio, you’ll attract steady clients and build a flexible, creative income stream.
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Best for: People with strong vocal skills and an interest in acting.
Difficulty: Moderate. It takes time to build a portfolio and gain clients, but once established, it’s an enjoyable way to earn extra income.
How to start: Create a portfolio of voice recordings, doing various sketches, personas, sounds, and accents. Sign up on platforms like Voices.com or Fiverr and start auditioning for gigs.
Offer transcription services
Offer transcription services by converting audio or video into accurate written text. This at-home work requires fast typing and strong attention to detail, making it an accessible way to earn online. Accuracy and fast turnaround will secure repeat clients and higher-paying projects.
Best for: People with good typing speed and attention to detail.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. While tasks are simple, high accuracy and speed are essential to getting consistent work.
How to start: Join Upwork and other platforms like Rev and TranscribeMe. Start transcribing audio files and earn money per project.
Consult people online
Consult people online with expert guidance in areas like business, marketing, or finance. With proven experience, you’ll help clients solve problems through remote sessions. Building credibility and referrals makes this a highly profitable way to monetize your professional expertise.
Best for: Experts and professionals with specialized knowledge in popular fields.
Difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to establish credibility, market your services, and manage client expectations.
How to start: Create a website or use platforms like Clarity.fm, Upwork, or Fiverr to offer services. Testimonials help build trust, and relevant affiliate networks can support recommendations when they genuinely add value.
Tutor people online
Tutor people online to earn money by teaching subjects you know well, from academics to test prep or languages. You set your own schedule and work from home while providing personalized lessons to students worldwide, making tutoring both rewarding and profitable.
Best for: Teachers, subject experts, or anyone passionate about education.
Difficulty: Moderate. It requires patience, teaching skills, and adapting to different learning styles. You’ll also need to stay organized and keep track of schedules.
How to start: Sign up on tutoring platforms like Preply, TutorMe, and Wyzant. Set your availability, create a profile showcasing your expertise, and start offering lessons to students in need.
Teach or coach online
Teaching or coaching online focuses on skills, outcomes, or transformation – not just academic subjects. This includes areas like business, fitness, career guidance, or creative skills delivered through structured programs or live sessions. Unlike tutoring, the value comes from results and experience, not test prep or curriculum support.
Best for: Confident experts, professionals, and creatives with teaching experience in various fields.
Difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to create engaging lessons that provide value and establish credibility in your niche.
How to start: Write your course script, description, and talking points, and use platforms like Teachable for courses or Zoom for live coaching. Create a dedicated website or promote your services via your network or social media accounts.
3. Content creation and media
If you have a captivating voice, specialized knowledge, or a flair for storytelling, content creation is one of the most dynamic ways to make money online.
Building an audience allows you to generate advertising revenue, secure sponsorships, and sell premium digital products. From monetizing a blog to running a successful YouTube channel, your words and videos can be turned into a steady flow of income.
Creators who work with audio can also use simple audio recording setups to expand into podcasts or paid voice work.
Monetize a blog
Monetize a blog with high-quality, search-optimized content that attracts steady traffic. A well-built blog earns through display ads, affiliate partnerships, selling digital products, offering practice test downloads, or even promoting wedding invitations via affiliate links.
With consistent publishing and authority-building, your site becomes a dependable source of online income.
Best for: Writers and experts in niche fields.
Difficulty: Moderate. SEO, audience growth, and monetization take time, and early traffic is often slow.
How to start: Build your blog using the best blogging platforms like Medium, WordPress, and Blogger, focus on SEO strategies, and create high-quality, engaging content. Monetize using Google AdSense, affiliate programs, and direct sponsorships.
Run a YouTube channel
Run a YouTube channel to earn money by creating engaging video content. As your audience grows, monetize through ads, sponsorships, and paid memberships. It takes consistent publishing and strong niche-focused content, but it offers significant long-term earning potential.
Best for: Creative people who enjoy video production.
Difficulty: Moderate to high. Producing high-quality videos and growing an audience takes time, effort, and consistency.
How to start: Plan your niche, create engaging videos using software like OBS Studio, list them online, and optimize with keywords for search visibility. Monetize with Google AdSense once you meet eligibility requirements.
Start podcasting
Start podcasting to share your expertise or stories and build a loyal audience. With consistent episodes and smart promotion, you’ll earn through sponsorships, listener-supported platforms like Patreon, and selling merch via Print on Demand. It’s a powerful way to turn your voice into a long-term income stream.
Best for: People who enjoy speaking, storytelling, or sharing insights.
Difficulty: Moderate. Growing an established audience and producing quality audio content takes time and consistency.
How to start: Choose a focused topic, set up a podcast on platforms like Buzzsprout, YouTube, or Podbean. Promote episodes on social media and monetize through sponsorships or advertising revenue.
Stream online
Stream online on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or TikTok to earn money by engaging live with your audience. As you build a loyal community, monetize through subscriptions, tips, and ad revenue. It’s a flexible way to turn your personality or niche expertise into consistent online income.
Best for: Gamers, entertainers, or anyone comfortable with live interactions.
Difficulty: Moderate. Building a loyal audience requires consistency, engagement, and quality content.
How to start: Pick your niche, topics, and streaming concept, set up a YouTube channel or Twitch account, and start streaming. Use tools like OBS for professional broadcasting.
4. Passive income opportunities
Earning money online while you sleep is the ultimate financial goal. These strategies focus on generating ongoing passive income streams that usually require high upfront effort but minimal day-to-day tasks.
Here are ways to earn money online that scale beyond hourly work, often by combining content, automation, or recurring payments.
Try affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing lets you earn income by promoting other companies’ products and earning a commission for each sale – requiring only a stable internet connection. Build trust through a blog, social media, or YouTube, and strong engagement. Additionally, word-of-mouth referrals can significantly boost conversions.
Best for: Bloggers, YouTubers, social media influencers, and content enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Moderate. Building a following, creating valuable content, and learning how to drive traffic effectively takes time and effort.
How to start: Sign up for an affiliate network like Amazon Associates or the Printify Affiliate Program. Share your unique links in blog posts, YouTube videos, or Instagram stories, and drive traffic with compelling content. Cash out your affiliate income regularly.
Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a popular eCommerce model and one of the most accessible ways to make money online without holding any physical stock.
You establish an online store and list products supplied by a third-party partner. When a customer buys an item, the supplier handles the fulfillment and shipping directly.
This low-inventory approach creates potential passive income streams, though success requires careful product selection and dedicated marketing efforts.
Best for: Aspiring entrepreneurs who want a low-risk eCommerce business.
Difficulty: Moderate. The business model is easy to set up, but success requires time to research profitable products, optimize your store, and effectively market your offerings.
How to start: Use Shopify or BigCommerce to create a dropshipping store or join popular online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. Partner with reliable suppliers via Oberlo, AliExpress, or BigBuy. List your products and focus on marketing.
Flip domains and websites
Flipping digital assets is a high-level strategy to make money online by treating domains and existing websites as digital real estate. You use your market skills to identify undervalued properties, improve their content, SEO, or structure, and then resell them for substantial profit.
While this method requires specific expertise and research to achieve significant income, it’s one of the most profitable, capital-intensive ways to make money online for those who understand the online market.
Best for: People with a good understanding of the online market.
Difficulty: Moderate to high. Finding valuable domains and improving websites for resale takes expertise and research.
How to start: Use platforms like Flippa or Sedo to buy and sell domains. Research trending niches with tools like eRank or Semrush and scout domains with high resale potential. This approach is closer to asset investing than true passive income and usually requires hands-on work before returns stabilize.
5. Quick and easy ways to earn
Need ideas on how to make extra money online right now, without long-term commitments? These simple side jobs offer fast extra cash and are perfect for filling your spare time.
Common options include online surveys, testing websites, or selling used items, all of which involve small payouts per task. These are best suited for a second job mindset or occasional extra cash, not consistent income growth.
Complete online surveys
Completing online surveys is among the simplest and most accessible ways to earn money during your spare time. Market research companies will pay you for your opinion on products and services, making it an effortless way to earn income using only your internet and a few minutes of free time.
While individual payouts are small, the minimal effort and immediate start make this a perfect option for quickly boosting your online earnings.
Best for: Anyone looking to make money online fast without specialized skills.
Difficulty: Easy. It’s not a full-time job, but it’s simple and low-effort, something you can easily do for a few hours daily.
How to start: Sign up on platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, or Survey Junkie. Complete surveys for rewards or cash.
Test websites and apps
Testing websites and apps involves completing short tasks that show how real users interact with digital products, such as navigating pages, reporting bugs, or giving feedback on layout and usability. This type of user testing helps companies improve their sites before public release.
These straightforward tasks can be completed from home with just an internet connection, allowing you to earn quick extra money by offering valuable feedback.
Best for: Detail-oriented individuals with a good eye for user experience.
Difficulty: Easy. Tasks are simple, but you need to provide useful feedback to be successful.
How to start: Sign up on platforms like UserTesting or UserZoom. Test various apps and websites in exchange for payment. It’s a great way to make good money fast.
Write reviews
This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to earn extra cash in your spare time. Put your writing skills to work by providing honest reviews of products and services across various websites.
Many companies offer compensation or complimentary items in exchange for detailed, genuine feedback – a simple way to get paid from your own home.
Best for: People who enjoy testing products and sharing opinions.
Difficulty: Easy. Writing reviews doesn’t take much time, but it may not provide significant earnings.
How to start: Sign up for sites like Swagbucks or Product Review, and write reviews for products or services you use.
Flip stuff online
Flipping involves purchasing undervalued used goods – from vintage clothing to home decor – finding great deals online or at thrift stores, and reselling them for a profit.
While sourcing and shipping require effort, successful flipping turns small investments into significant extra cash, sending profit directly to your bank account and building a scalable source of income.
Best for: Bargain hunters and people who can do basic restoration of furniture, home decor, tech, or other items.
Difficulty: Moderate. Sourcing good deals and handling shipping requires effort, but profits can be rewarding.
How to start: Look for deals on Craigslist or at thrift stores. List items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark, and ensure timely, positive communication to prompt reviews. Turn used stuff into a growing income directly into your bank account.
Start making money online with Printify
Printify supports one of the most accessible ways to make money online through Print on Demand, where products are created only after a sale. While design and marketing still require effort, Print Providers handle production and shipping, removing the need for inventory management.
1. Sign up
Register for free, create your account, and access 1,300 customizable, high-quality items.
2. Pick and design your products
Choose your products and use our free, beginner-friendly Product Creator to upload, generate, and customize beautiful designs.
3. Integrate your shop
Choose your sales channel integration and link it with Printify, so our Print Providers automatically receive, fulfill, and ship your orders.
4. Start selling
Publish clear, search-optimized product listings and promote them through relevant channels.
AI-powered income opportunities
AI-powered income opportunities use artificial intelligence to increase speed, scale, or efficiency, rather than replacing skills entirely. These approaches work best when AI supports existing workflows or expertise.
- Freelance writing and content: Use AI tools to speed up research, outlining, and editing while offering human-led writing services that focus on strategy, tone, and accuracy.
- AI-enhanced marketing: Provide smarter social media management and marketing by leveraging AI analysis for small businesses.
- Digital products: Generate and sell digital products rapidly, such as unique AI-generated art, templates, and music loops.
- Software and tools: Develop simple AI-infused apps or software to solve niche problems and create new passive income streams.
How to make money online FAQ
Earning $100 a day online is realistic with steady, skill-based, or product-based work. Popular options include freelancing on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, selling print-on-demand products, or earning through affiliate marketing.
Many people reach $100 daily by combining multiple income streams, such as tutoring, consulting, or small online tasks, until one source becomes more reliable.
You can realistically make money online through two main categories: selling your skills or building scalable digital assets. Legitimate ways to earn money online include:
- Services: Offer freelance skills like writing or graphic design for immediate income.
- eCommerce: Start a print-on-demand online store (e.g., selling custom t-shirts).
- Passive income: Create and sell digital products or online courses.
Quick cash: Complete online surveys or test websites for extra money in your spare time.
Start making money online immediately by doing low-barrier, fast-start tasks:
- Completing paid online surveys
- Selling unused items on marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace
- Testing websites for user-experience platforms
If you know how to write, design, or do data entry, offer quick-turn freelance services on Fiverr or Upwork. Freelancing takes little setup and can generate your first earnings within hours.
Making $500 a day online typically requires scalable or high-value income streams. Popular paths include:
- Launching a profitable print-on-demand store
- Building a subscription-based product
- Creating an app or digital tool
Others reach this level through consulting, online coaching, or content creation on YouTube or Twitch, where income comes from ads, sponsorships, and paid subscribers. Combining several revenue streams increases your chances of hitting $500 a day consistently.
Start your online business today
Making money online offers endless opportunities, from selling print-on-demand products and digital content to tutoring, consulting, and even app development. Whether you’re aiming to make $100 or $500 daily, combining multiple strategies and focusing on providing value is key.
Ready to take the next step? Platforms like Printify simplify launching a print-on-demand online store, helping creators turn ideas into sellable products without managing inventory or fulfillment.
