Making money online can be a challenge. After all, there are plenty of people looking for their first opportunity to make money online, and the competition is fierce. Fortunately, you don’t need to settle for a 9-to-5 job that doesn’t pay well or leaves you feeling unfulfilled. Instead, with some research, creativity, and dedication, you can develop a solid side business that allows you to make money from home while also doing something you love. There are many ways to monetize your expertise online. The key is finding an avenue that aligns with your interests and passions as well as your strengths as a researcher and writer. Read on for our list of the top 100 best ways to make money online in 2019.
1. Blogging
If you have strong opinions about an issue, or if you use a certain topic as inspiration for your art or work, then you have a potential blogging topic right there. You can earn money blogging in many ways, including through affiliate links, advertisements, brand partnerships, and even direct readership donations. There are also a number of potential routes to monetizing your blog including courses, books, coaching services, and other creative ventures. You can start a blog on any topic and any platform, from WordPress to Medium, and there are many ways to build your audience from the beginning as well. You don’t need to have a huge network or a large audience to start earning money with a blog. You can also use your blog as a platform to build your credentials and your network. With the right commitment and a focus on quality content, you can build a loyal following who will appreciate your work and support your efforts.
2. Dropshipping
If you know how to research online trends and are willing to take some risks, you can start dropshipping and making money online without ever purchasing inventory or hosting a website. Dropshipping is a business model where you host a sales page or shop online using a third-party retailer with whom you’ve partnered. This third party fulfills orders, and you earn a fee for each item sold. For example, if you sell t-shirts online and partner with an apparel manufacturer who dropships merchandise, you’re responsible for marketing the shirts and managing the sales process. Once a sale is made, the manufacturer will package and ship the product directly to your customer. To get started, research and find a third-party partner that offers dropshipping through a network like Shopify. You can also use websites like Dropship.com to find partners. When you’re ready to start marketing and selling, use Facebook ads to build a customer base and promote your products.
3. Online Teaching and Tutoring
Do you have expertise in a subject like math, science, art, or language? If so, you can teach online, either as an employee for an established company or as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork or Tutor.com. While some skills are in higher demand than others, there are plenty of opportunities to make money teaching online. Your skill set and your hours can also vary depending on the opportunity. For example, you can teach a language online at your own pace and on your own schedule through a platform like Verbling. Alternatively, you can also tutor online more regularly through Tutor.com by scheduling sessions throughout the week at times that are convenient for you and your students. Both of these platforms take a cut from your earnings but can be a great way to supplement your income.
4. Freelance Writing
If you’re a strong writer, you might be able to make money freelancing. Many companies hire freelance writers for various creative projects, from blog posts to white papers, to special reports and e-books. You can find these types of writing jobs on websites like Upwork, Contently, or HubHire. You can also check out job boards or industry-specific forums like Coastal Virginia Writing Jobs, Freelance Writers Den, and the Freelance Writers Union to find writing jobs and hire freelance writers. When applying for jobs and pitching to clients, make sure to highlight your experience and describe your approach to the project. You can also build a portfolio of freelance writing samples to show prospective clients that you’re capable of producing high-quality work.
5. Marketing Research
Are you an avid researcher who loves to learn more about marketing trends, influencers, and marketing strategies? If so, you can make money marketing research online by joining companies like UserTesting, Influencer Research, and Sprout Social. UserTesting pays $10 for each review, and you can earn $50 for each analysis of a social media channel. You can also join research sites like Swagbucks and Ipsos iSay, where you can earn cash for taking surveys and participating in online focus groups. You can also apply to research agencies that contract with large brands. Your research might include analyzing competitors, researching new trends, or conducting focus groups and interviews.
6. Paid Surveys
Did you know that you can actually earn money doing paid surveys online? There are many websites that offer cash for completing surveys, including MySurvey.com, Survey Junkie, Ipsos i-Say, and PineCone Research. You can also apply to research studies and focus groups through companies like FocusNow, though the pay may not be as high as it is for surveys. Some survey sites let you earn money right away, while others will give you points (which can later be exchanged for cash) and have you wait to be invited to complete surveys. Either way, you can make a few extra bucks doing surveys during your downtime while still helping companies gather valuable information they need to inform vital decisions.
7. Virtual Assistants
If you have a high level of expertise in one or more areas, you might be able to make money as a virtual assistant. There are many ways to make money as a virtual assistant, including through tasks like planning and organizing events, booking travel, creating marketing materials, and managing social media channels. You can find virtual assistant jobs through sites like Upwork, Guru, and Contently, or you can also apply directly to companies that offer virtual assistant work.
Conclusion
The best ways to make money online are not always the easiest. Even though it may seem easier to quit your job and start an online business than to start an offline business, you must be prepared to be patient and disciplined. This is especially true if you are starting your side hustle from scratch. Make sure you understand your market, that you have a plan for your business, and that you have a strategy for finding your first clients. Once you do, you will be well on your way to making money from your side hustle.
