How to Make Money Online for Beginners

Starting an online business or earning money online can seem daunting as a beginner. With so many opportunities promising easy money, how do you know where to start?

This comprehensive guide breaks down 16 legitimate ways to make money online, with tips to help you get started.

1. Online Surveys

Taking online surveys is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money in your free time.

Platforms like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars allow you to share your opinions in exchange for cash rewards. You can expect to earn $5 to $20 per hour.

Getting started:

• Sign up for an account and fill out your user profile thoroughly. More details help match you to better-paying surveys.
• Check your dashboard frequently to catch newly posted surveys. Availability varies throughout the day and week.
• Cash out through PayPal, gift cards, or other available rewards once you hit the minimum threshold.

2. Freelance Writing

If you have strong writing skills, freelance writing provides flexible income opportunities ranging from $10 to $100+ per hour.

New writers can start on platforms like Contena, Constant Content, and WriterAccess to build your portfolio. As you gain experience, you can progress to higher-paying gigs on sites like FlexJobs and Upwork.

Getting started

• Create writing samples in your niche to showcase your abilities. Blog posts, articles, and case studies make great additions.
• Develop an attractive portfolio website, highlighting your best work and client testimonials.
• Reach out to businesses directly pitching relevant writing services you can provide.

3. Proofreading

Leverage your attention to detail by providing proofreading and copyediting services. This requires grammar expertise, sharp eyes, and solid writing mechanics.

Many freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer proofreading gigs, with income potential of $15 to $30 per hour.

Getting started:

• Study style guides like AP, APA, CMS, CMOS and create proofreading samples.
• Offer discounted or free services to build your portfolio and client reviews.
• List proofreading services at fixed or hourly rates once you develop expertise. Broaden your range by editing web copy, product descriptions, newsletters, and more.

4. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant (VA), you provide administrative services to clients remotely. This is a scalable business you can operate with just a laptop and internet connection.

VAs assist with email management, data entry, research, scheduling, and more. Hourly earnings range from $15 to $50 depending on your skill level.

Getting started:

• Determine your VA niche, such as social media, email management, administrative support.
• Create processes and systems to efficiently deliver your services.
• Reach out to potential clients through cold emails and guest posts in blogs.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products. You recommend products and drive traffic to the merchant through links. When a sale occurs, you earn a percentage.

Two popular affiliate programs are Amazon Associates and ShareASale. Commissions range from 1% to 75% per sale depending on the program.

Getting started:

• Research products and choose affiliate programs related to your niche.
• Create product review blogs, YouTube videos, email newsletters to promote your affiliate links.
• Use tracking software like ClickMeter to optimize your campaigns.

6. Dropshipping

Dropshipping provides the opportunity to sell products without handling inventory. A supplier ships orders directly to your customers after you make a sale.

Platforms like Shopify and Oberlo provide access to suppliers and streamline order processing. Potential earnings can surpass $3000 per month with sufficient effort.

Getting started:

• Select a niche and research best-selling products using tools like Product Mafia.
• Create a dropshipping storefront with payment integration using Shopify or WooCommerce.
• Market products heavily on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

7. Sell Stock Media

Stock media websites allow you to sell your video footage, photography, audio files, and illustrations online. When someone purchases your work for commercial use, you earn royalties.

Top stock media sites include Shutterstock, Alamy, Pond5, and Dreamstime. Your earnings grow exponentially the more content you produce and sell.

Getting started:

• Study photo composition, color theory, and editing techniques.
• Shoot high-quality, unique media fitting the specific requirements of your chosen stock site.
• Upload metadata-enhanced files and market your portfolio directly to prospective buyers.

8. Online Tutoring

Offer virtual tutoring services in academic subjects you excel at like math, sciences, languages and more. Use platforms like Wyzant, Chegg, and Varsity Tutors to connect with students and academics seeking tutoring.

You can make $15 to $40 per hour based on the subject matter expertise. Schedule sessions based on your availability.

Getting started:

• Outline the subjects you feel qualified to tutor and your credentials.
• Set competitive but reasonable hourly rates based on your experience level.
• Leverage excellent reviews and referrals to continually attract new students.

9. Transcription Services

Transcribing audio and video clips is another lucrative online money maker well-suited for beginners. Accurate word-for-word transcriptions require good listening skills and attention to detail.

Check sites like Rev, GoTranscript, and TranscribeMe for transcription job openings, many with flexible hours. Pay averages $15 to $45 per audio/video hour.

Getting started:

• Take transcription tests meeting 95%+ accuracy thresholds.
• Invest in quality headphones and leverage foot pedals for efficient typing.
• Stick to entry-level projects as you build speed and accuracy.

10. Teach English Online

Teaching English online to students abroad can pay upwards of $20 per hour, especially if you‘re a native English speaker. Sites like VIPKid, Palfish, and Qkids connect online tutors with Chinese students.

Most companies require a bachelor‘s degree. Working hours coincide with peak times in China. You tutor using video chat and online learning tools.

Getting started:

• Prepare a compelling application profiling your teaching experience.
• Schedule a demo mock lesson to showcase your instruction abilities.
• Commit to pamphlet trainings to learn the company’s methodology.

11. Freelance Graphic Design

Graphic designers create branding assets, publications, packaging, and advertisements for clients. Expand your skillset learning Photoshop, Illustrator, coding and typography best practices.

Once you build a portfolio, begin taking on freelance projects listed on sites like Fiverr, 99Designs, and DesignCrowd. Hourly rates range from $10 to $100+.

Getting started:

• Develop a unique style and personal branding as a designer.
• Offer discounted or pro bono design services to build your portfolio.
• Invest in courses and software like Adobe CC to elevate your capabilities.

12. Voiceover Work

Leverage your gifted speaking voice working as a freelance voiceover artist. You record custom voice clips that clients use for animated videos, commercials, audiobooks and more.

Top websites like Voices and Voice123 connect voiceover talent with clients. Rates span $30 to $600+ per audio hour based on experience.

Getting started:

• Take training classes to improve audio quality and performance.
• Set up a home recording studio with quality microphone and editing tools.
• Start applying for entry-level voice gigs to gain initial experience.

13. Online Coaching & Consulting

Impart your knowledge to students around the world as an online coach or consultant. Sites like Clarity.fm and Coach.me make it simple to set up a profile. Determine your specialty from fitness, nutrition, career development or additional niche skills you possess. Conduct sessions via video chat or email.

Establish hourly rates or monthly retainers between $50 and $300+ contingent upon your credentials and experience.

Getting started:

• Specify precise topics and outcomes your coaching program delivers.
• Offer free sample advice or challenges to attract initial clients.
• Invest in a website, quality recording equipment and coaching tools to appear professional.

14. Resume Writing Service

Help job seekers create polished resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and accompanying job search documents as a resume writer. This freelance opportunity matches well if you have a talent for writing compelling content and you stay abreast of modern resume best practices.

Platforms like FlexJobs, SolidGigs, and Writers Domain offer specialized job opportunities for resume writers earning $40 to $100 per hour in the field.

Getting started:

• Familiarize yourself with ATS systems that scan and sort resume submissions.
• Craft professional templates across various industries your clients can easily customize.
• Consider obtaining a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) credential.

15. Mobile Apps & Games

Developing smartphone apps and games opens diverse money-making potentials, although this requires coding skills and experience. Top options include publishing paid apps, in-app subscriptions, in-app advertising, and selling merchandise.

Revenue differs substantially based on complexity, marketing effort, and user base, but popular apps can generate over tens of thousands per month.

Getting started:

• Learn development basics from platforms like Code Academy or Treehouse.
• Leverage app development software like React Native or Unity to accelerate building.
• Release beta versions to get initial feedback before public launch.

16. YouTube Channel & Videos

Creating educational or entertaining videos on YouTube makes it possible to earn ad revenue, sponsorship income, and affiliate commissions in any niche. While it takes significant effort to grow an audience, persistently publishing videos can generate tens of thousands per year for popular channels through the YouTube Partner Program.

You can start building your following without any upfront investment using just your smartphone’s camera and a basic editing app.

Getting started:

• Identify your niche and style as a content creator
• Optimize video titles, tags and descriptions for maximum discoverability
• Engage fully with your growing subscriber base through comments.

These sixteen strategies provide starting points to develop genuine income streams without upfront investments. Combine several complementary options from this list to maximize your earning potential.

Building steady passive revenue does require consistent effort and patience however. Stay focused on delivering value to others rather than just making money. With tenacity and drive, you can succeed making your goals a reality.