5 Simple Ways to Make Money Online

As people continue to struggle in a stagnant global economy, thoughts frequently turn towards ways to earn a few extra dollars.
Sure, you can work overtime or take on a second job to boost your monthly bottom line.  However, the conventional “time for money” formula only goes so far, especially if it means losing precious evenings and weekends with your family.
The Internet is more than a source of news and entertainment gossip. Today, tens of billions of dollars are being exchanged via a multitude of legitimate activities. More and more people are starting their own businesses on the internet and making extra money online. Some are even turning their online ventures into full-time internet businesses.
Here, we look at five (5) ways to make money online that won't require a lot of time or cut into your regular routine. Think of these options as supplemental sources of income with the potential in some cases to be a whole lot more.

• 01

   Starting Your Own Blog or E-commerce Website

  

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  The first way is one of the most popular ways; starting a blog/e-commerce website.

  Consider having a permanent presence on online by putting up your own website. Use it to share hobbies, thoughts, and passions with others and use your page to make real connections with people. The mechanics are straightforward, and you'll be in a position to profit from online advertising (e.g. Google Adwords), affiliate marketing (see next slide), and subscriber-based lists to produce a steady stream of income. There are many ways to make money with a blog.

  This is one of the fastest ways to get your own piece of "virtual real estate".

• 02

   Affiliate Marketing

  

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  Even if you don't have your own products or services to sell, affiliate marketing gives you a chance to earn strong commissions through a series of one-time sales. Online merchants provide you with an affiliate website (or a simple affiliate tracking link) and marketing support – all you have to do is promote the company with your link via social media, search engines or perhaps ideally your own website (see above).

  The great thing about affiliate marketing is you don't have to create your own products, you don't have to provide any customer support, and you don't have to create your own marketing materials.

  All you have to do is pick a profitable market, promote the products as an affiliate and earn a commission anytime a sale is made. Affiliate marketing is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make money online.

• 03

   Online Publishing (E-books)

  

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  Regardless of your current occupation and lifestyle, there is probably a book inside of you that's screaming to get out. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has given thousands of people a chance to become published authors and earn money. It may also serve as a way to get noticed by more established and traditional publishers.

  Not only can you sell ebooks on platforms like Amazon.com; but you can also sell ebooks directly from your own website as well. This allows you to sell your ebooks for higher prices and get all of the profits.

  You can also repackage multiple ebooks into larger "packages" or use the ebooks as a foundation to sell higher-ticket online courses or even coaching and consulting services.

  Publishing ebooks is a great way to make passive income, grow into bigger projects, and establish your authority as an expert in your market.

• 04

   Online Surveys

  

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  Online surveys are one of the easiest ways to earn extra cash. Brand name corporations and market research firms are desperately seeking people's opinions on products and services and will offer good remuneration for it. Depending on their complexity, each survey can be worth five, ten or more dollars.

  There are many reputable survey companies to choose from, but you may want to limit yourself to 3-5 in the beginning.

  You also want to avoid illegitimate companies; as this field is widespread with scam opportunities that will take a lot of your time and pay you very little money.

• 05

   Online Freelancing

  

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  If you have specific writing/journalism skills or are adept in various IT/software domains, freelancing may prove to be a lucrative source of secondary income. Increasingly, companies are implementing a content marketing strategy and turning to outside sources for specific assignments, and if you can prove your worth there will be more work available. Even simple skills like data entry may be to your liking, provide you can offer at least 5-10 hours weekly.

  All you need is a computer with an Internet connection and the desire to build a respectable clientele. Chances are that these opportunities will allow you to gain valuable experience and skills that will prove valuable in your existing business and professional career.

  If you're already writing ebooks in a particular niche market (see above) then why not make your services available for other companies; as you already have the expertise to take on the niche writing assignments.

  Start Your Online Business Today!

  Think about it, making money online is surprisingly easy once you set your mind to specific income goals. Ideally, the activities that you choose to engage in are fun, exploit your talents and interests, are worthy of your time, and offer fair compensation.

  As the Internet continues to evolve, opportunities to earn supplementary and full-time online income will grow. The very definition of work in an information-based economy is evolving, with traditional full-time jobs disappearing in favor of different arrangements (e.g. self-employment, flexible schedules, changing skill sets, etc.). In this respect, giving it a try can open up new career and business options.