Pros and cons of dropshipping: Is it worth it?
Dive into the pros and cons of dropshipping when starting an eCommerce business, and explore our insights to make an informed decision.
Looking to make money online but not sure where to start? From easy-peasy side hustles to more involved ventures, we’ve got 30 creative ways to help you turn your skills, passions, and free time into real cash.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting to explore the digital world, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore 30 money-making possibilities with a steady internet connection and a bit of creativity.
Disclaimer
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. Sell print-on-demand (POD) products
How to start an online business without managing inventory or logistics? With Print on Demand. You create custom designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags, which are printed and shipped only when an order is placed.
Best for: Anyone willing to manage an online store and earn money by selling unique designs.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. You can make a lot of money selling custom shirts, but success depends on creating appealing designs and effectively marketing your products. You’ll also need to spend time learning the tools and platforms to streamline the process.
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 printing and shipping, so you can start making money online fast.
Make it happen today!
2. Try affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing means promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link. You don’t need to create products yourself, but you’ll need to build an audience that trusts your recommendations.
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 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.
3. Start a dropshipping business
With dropshipping, you sell products without holding inventory. Partner with reliable dropshipping suppliers, list their products on your website or marketplace, and when a customer buys, the supplier ships directly to them. Unlike with POD, you can’t customize the products you sell.
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 Etsy. Partner with reliable suppliers via Oberlo, AliExpress, or BigBuy. List your products and focus on marketing.
![How to make money online: 30 Ideas to try in [bp_year] 1](https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Dropshipping-Business-300x169.jpg "Dropshipping Business")
4. Sell digital products
Digital products include eBooks, online courses, templates, and software, which can be created once and sold repeatedly. This is a scalable online business model with minimal ongoing costs.
Best for: Content creators, designers, educators, and anyone with expertise and creative skills to share.
Difficulty: Moderate. Creating a high-quality product takes effort, and marketing it effectively requires identifying a niche and leveraging 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 personal website.
5. Monetize a blog
Want easy ways to make money online? Write a blog and monetize it. A blog can generate income through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products.
Best for: Writers and experts in niche fields.
Difficulty: Moderate. Building an audience and optimizing for SEO takes time and consistent effort, and results may not be immediate.
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.
6. Offer freelance services
Freelancing involves offering services like writing, translating, editing, graphic design, programming, or marketing on a project-by-project basis. You work directly with clients and set your own rates, making it flexible 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 to sites like Fiverr and Upwork, create a compelling profile listing your skills, experience, and expertise, and search for tasks or wait for extra cash to find you.
7. Manage social media accounts
Social media management involves creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments, and growing a brand’s presence online. It’s a great way to help businesses while earning extra money from your expertise.
Best for: Social media-savvy individuals with marketing skills.
Difficulty: Moderate. Success requires knowledge of different platforms, trends, and tools like Hootsuite.
How to start: Reach out to small businesses or use freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients. Offer your services to grow their social media accounts.
8. Run a YouTube channel
YouTube channels let you create content, grow an audience, and earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, or channel memberships. Topics range from tutorials and reviews to entertainment and vlogs.
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.
9. Teach or coach online
Teaching online or offering coaching services lets you share your expertise in areas like fitness, business, languages, or academics. Various platforms make it easy to connect with students worldwide.
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.
10. Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants help businesses and individuals with tasks like email management, scheduling, and research, all done remotely. It’s a flexible way to make money online from anywhere.
Best for: Organized, detail-oriented individuals.
Difficulty: Easy. 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.
11. Sell stock images and videos
If you’re handy with a camera, earn passive income selling stock images and videos. Businesses and creators buy these assets for use in marketing or projects.
Best for: Photographers and videographers.
Difficulty: Easy. Once your content is uploaded, it can generate sales repeatedly.
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 goods on Etsy or your own store – an excellent way to make money as an artist.
12. Complete online surveys
Survey sites pay users to share their opinions on products and services. Taking surveys is one of the easiest ways to earn extra cash in your spare time.
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.
13. Sell handmade goods
Turn your crafting skills into a business by selling handmade items like jewelry, candles, or art. It’s a creative way to monetize your hobbies and one of the best ways to make money on Etsy.
Best for: Crafty and artistic individuals.
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 or Facebook Marketplace. Use Instagram to showcase your creations and attract buyers.
14. Tutor people online
Tutoring services let you teach students virtually, helping them improve in subjects like math, language, or test preparation. With platforms that connect tutors to students, you can earn money by offering personalized lessons without leaving your home.
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.
15. Work in remote customer service
Remote customer service roles let you assist customers through chat, phone calls, or email from the comfort of your own home. It’s a flexible online job for those who enjoy problem-solving.
Best for: People with strong communication skills.
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.
16. Start podcasting
Podcasting lets you share your expertise, hobbies, or stories with an audience. Monetization options include ad revenue, memberships, sponsorships, and listener donations.
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 your niche, set up a podcast on platforms like Buzzsprout, YouTube, or Podbean. Promote episodes on social media and monetize through sponsorships or advertising revenue.
17. Sell AI art
Create and sell AI-generated art using platforms like Adobe Express, DALL·E, or MidJourney. It’s a unique way to tap into the growing demand for digital art and design.
Best for: Artists and creative individuals who enjoy experimenting with new AI tools.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. While creating the art itself is simple, running a store that stands out requires creativity and effective marketing.
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.
Read more:
How to use Midjourney and clever Midjourney prompts for inspiration.
18. Test websites and apps
How to make extra money online from the comfort of your home? By testing apps and websites. Companies pay people to identify bugs or usability issues.
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.
19. Sell subscription services
Earn money online by offering exclusive content or services through a subscription model. Whether it’s digital downloads, coaching, or membership access, people are willing to pay for ongoing value.
Best for: Creators or professionals with valuable, ongoing content to share.
Difficulty: Moderate. Content creation and building a loyal subscriber base providing consistent value can be challenging and time-consuming.
How to start: Use platforms like Patreon or YouTube to offer memberships for exclusive content. Promote through social media or your website.
20. Do voice acting
Voice acting lets you record and sell your voice for ads, animation, audiobooks, and more. It’s a fun and flexible way to earn money online using your vocal talent.
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.
21. Offer transcription services
Transcribing audio or video files into written content is an in-demand service for various industries. It’s a straightforward way to make money online with minimal overhead.
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.
22. Sell printables
Create digital products like planners, checklists, or art prints that customers can download and print. It’s an easy-to-setup business model with low overhead costs.
Best for: Creatives and anyone who enjoys making functional, printable designs.
Difficulty: Easy. Creating digital printables requires design skills but is simple to sell once created.
How to start: Design your products using Adobe Illustrator or other alternatives. Sell printables on Etsy or your own website.
23. Flip domains and websites
Flipping domains and websites means buying undervalued domain names or sites, improving them, and selling for a profit. It’s a way to earn more money by leveraging digital real estate.
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.
24. Stream online
Start making money online by live streaming and connect with an audience in real-time on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Monetize through donations, subscriptions, and ads while sharing your gaming, opinions, or personality.
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.
25. Write reviews
Put your writing skills to work. Providing product reviews or giving feedback on services can help you make money or earn free products. Many companies offer compensation for detailed, honest reviews. It’s also a good way to make money from your phone.
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.
26. Create online subscription boxes
How to make money online in a meaningful way? Create a subscription service where members receive valuable digital packages every month. For example, offer an educational subscription with access to courses, eBooks, quizzes, and practice tests. Alternatively, curate a wellness package with guided meditations, affirmations, and self-care tips.
Best for: Educators, creators, or anyone passionate about sharing knowledge or resources.
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.
27. Consult people online
Share your expertise in areas like business, fitness, relationships, or finance through online consulting. Help individuals or businesses solve problems and achieve goals while offering tailored advice. This is a great way to start making money online while showcasing your skills and knowledge.
Best for: Experts or 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, and Fiverr to offer consulting services. Promote your work online and use testimonials to build trust and drive traffic. To make more money, consider offering an affiliate link for additional services or tools you recommend to clients.
28. Flip stuff online
Reselling used goods, like furniture or vintage clothing, can be a lucrative way to make money online. Find undervalued items, refurbish or clean them, and sell them for a profit.
Best for: Bargain hunters and creative entrepreneurs.
Difficulty: Moderate. Sourcing good deals and handling shipping requires effort, but profits can be rewarding.
How to start: Look for deals on Craigslist or thrift stores. List items on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace, and ensure timely, positive communication to harvest reviews. Turn used stuff into a growing income directly on your bank account.
29. Write eBooks for Kindle
Writing and self-publishing eBooks on Kindle can help you earn royalties from your writing. You can sell fiction or nonfiction books and generate passive income.
Best for: Writers and authors.
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. Bonus: if your book takes off, you can create fun designs on various POD products and earn more in merchandise sales.
30. Develop an app
If you have programming skills, creating an app is a great way to make money online by solving a problem or meeting a need. Apps can generate income through ads, subscriptions, or one-time purchases.
Best for: Developers and anyone with coding experience.
Difficulty: High. Developing an app requires technical knowledge, creativity, and marketing skills to drive downloads.
How to start: Outline your app’s purpose and features, ensuring it solves a specific problem or meets a need. Use development tools like Xcode (for iOS) or Android Studio (for Android) to build and test your app. 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, selling directly to users ready to download and use it.
Start making money online with Printify
How to make money online with no upfront costs, inventory, or logistical worries? By joining the world’s leading print-on-demand company and its global network of Print Providers that will do all the work for you.
1. Sign up
Register for free, create your account, and get access to more than 1,000 customizable, high-quality items.
2. Pick and design your products
From home decor and games to apparel, accessories, and pet merchandise, we have it all. Take your pick and use our free and beginner-friendly Product Creator to upload, generate, and customize one-of-a-kind designs.
3. Integrate your shop
Choose your sales channel and link it with Printify for streamlined selling. We integrate with the leading eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, think Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, and more.
4. Start selling
Put your SEO skills to work and create compelling, keyword-packed product listings, add irresistible shipping options, and market your products while our Print Providers handle printing and shipping for you.
How to make money online FAQ
To make $100 daily online, consider freelancing on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, selling print-on-demand products, or running an affiliate marketing blog. These options let you monetize your skills or audience. Combine multiple income streams like consulting or online tutoring to reach your goal consistently.
Genuine ways to make money online include offering services like freelance writing or virtual assistance, selling digital products, or creating educational content. Focus on adding real value through consulting, coaching, or subscription boxes. Build trust and credibility over time to turn these ideas into sustainable income streams.
Start making money online immediately by completing surveys, selling unused items on marketplaces like eBay, or testing websites. You can also offer quick freelance services such as graphic design or writing on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. These options require minimal setup and can deliver fast earnings.
Earning $500 daily online is achievable with high-impact strategies like developing a successful app, running a thriving print-on-demand business, or creating a subscription service. Other high-pay options include consulting, offering online coaching, or streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, where you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, or subscriptions. Combining multiple income streams can also help you reach this goal 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 start your journey? Platforms like Printify make launching your print-on-demand store easy, turning creative ideas into steady income with minimal effort. Your online success starts here!
