How to make money online for beginners: 4 top methods
From stay-at-home parents to college students, people from diverse backgrounds are discovering ways to not only supplement their income but even forge lucrative careers online.
If you're interested in starting a side hustle or generating passive income but you feel overwhelmed by where to start, you're not alone. Many are unsure about the legitimacy of online earnings or feel lost amidst the countless options.
Fear not! This guide is specifically curated for beginners like you. Here, we’ll explore four top methods to earn money online, breaking them down step-by-step, so you can find the path that best aligns with your skills and interests.
Main takeaways from this article:
Begin your online money-making journey on a small scale, allowing you to learn and adapt. Avoid falling for get-rich-quick schemes and prioritize building a sustainable, ethical income source instead of trying to make money fast.
Offer your skills or services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Ensure a complete profile and engage actively within these platforms for better opportunities.
Use platforms like VIPKid, Teachable, and Udemy to teach or create courses in your area of expertise. Promote your courses via various channels like social media, blogging, and collaborations.
Use models like dropshipping, where you don’t manage inventory but act as a middleman. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce can help set up your online store. Conduct thorough market research to choose profitable products.
Dive into the print on demand business, selling customized products without holding inventory. Platforms like Gelato enable global reach, efficient and green deliveries, and a user-friendly experience for entrepreneurs.
The importance of starting small
Embarking on the journey of making money online is akin to planting a sapling; it needs time, care, and patience before it grows into a sturdy tree-bearing fruit. Here’s why starting small and scaling gradually is the cornerstone of online success:
The significance of patience and learning
The most successful online entrepreneurs did not skyrocket to success overnight. Behind the scenes of their achievements lie countless hours of learning, numerous trial-and-error moments, and persistent efforts.
By starting small, you give yourself the time to learn the ropes, understand the nuances of your chosen method, and hone your skills. This incubation period, although it might seem slow-paced, is crucial. It's where you lay the foundation for long-term success.
With patience, you can learn from mistakes, adapt to changes, and grow steadily in the vast digital landscape.
Avoiding get-rich-quick schemes
The allure of making money online has given rise to a plethora of scams and dubious schemes promising instant riches. While it's tempting to dive into opportunities that pledge large returns with little effort, they often come at a hidden cost. This could be in the form of financial loss, wasted time, or even damage to your reputation.
Starting small helps you steer clear of online platforms that are notorious for 'make money online fast' claims. By focusing on genuine, slow-burn methods, you can ensure that you're building a sustainable, ethical online income source. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Four top methods to make money online
1. Freelancing
Freelancing refers to the act of offering your skills or services to clients on a project-by-project basis rather than being employed by a single company. As a freelancer, you're essentially your own boss. You choose the projects you want to take on, set your rates, and often determine your own work schedule to make a living or earn extra money on the side.
The array of fields in which one can freelance is vast – writing, graphic design, web development, test websites, data entry, online surveys, digital marketing, market research, and consulting, to name a few.
Platforms to start with
There's a myriad of platforms where freelancers can showcase their expertise and find clients. Here are some of the most renowned:
Upwork: Catering to a broad spectrum of skills, Upwork allows freelancers to bid on projects suited to their proficiency. It's an excellent platform for both beginners and veterans.
Fiverr: Unlike Upwork, on Fiverr, you set up 'gigs' or packages that detail specific services you offer at fixed prices. It's a great place to start, especially if you have a niche skill.
Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, Freelancer connects clients with professionals. It's vast and covers everything from tech work to writing and design.
Other notable platforms include Toptal (for top-tier professionals), Behance (for creative portfolios), and Guru. You can even build your own website to market yourself and start making money online.
Tips for setting up an appealing profile and landing your first gig
Complete your profile: Fill in every section – bio, skills, education, and work experience. A fully filled-out profile looks more professional and trustworthy.
Professional photo: Use a clear, professional-looking photo of yourself. A good picture can enhance your profile's credibility.
Craft a compelling bio: Your bio should not only state what you do but also convey how potential clients can benefit from hiring you. Make it succinct yet impactful.
Showcase previous work: If you've done any prior projects, even personal ones, display them. If you’re a newbie, consider creating samples to demonstrate your abilities.
Start with competitive pricing: As a beginner, setting a competitive rate (without underselling yourself) can attract initial clients. As you garner reviews and experience, you can gradually raise your prices.
Engage in platform communities: Many platforms have community forums. Engage, ask questions, share knowledge. Networking can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
2. Online tutoring and courses
The online world has revolutionized education. The traditional classroom has expanded its borders, allowing experts from around the world to share their knowledge with eager learners online.
Whether you're a seasoned educator or someone with niche expertise, online course creation and tutoring can be a lucrative endeavor. Let's explore how to start your online business in this space.
Platforms to start with
VIPKid: Catered towards teaching English to children, VIPKid connects tutors with students from primarily China. The platform handles lesson plans and communications, making it user-friendly for beginners.
Teachable: A comprehensive platform for creating and selling courses. From webinars to quizzes, Teachable offers a suite of tools to make your course professional and engaging.
Udemy: A massive marketplace for online courses on almost any topic imaginable. Once you create a course, you can host it on Udemy and tap into their large user base for sales.
Finding your area of expertise and curriculum creation
Identify your niche: Reflect on what you're passionate about and where your expertise lies. It could be anything from digital marketing to watercolor painting.
Research market demand: Before investing time in course creation, research to see if there's a demand for your topic. Platforms like Udemy can give you insights into popular course categories.
Structure your course: Begin by outlining your course. Break down your main topic into modules and then further into individual lessons. Ensure a logical flow of information.
Engaging content: Mix various types of content, such as videos, presentations, quizzes, and assignments, to keep learners engaged.
Quality production: Invest in a good microphone and camera for clear audio and visuals. Ensure good lighting and minimize background noise.
Feedback loop: Before the official launch, share your course with a few trusted peers or beta testers. Their feedback can provide invaluable insights for improvement.
Promoting your courses for better reach
Social media: Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share snippets, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes content. Consider creating a dedicated page or group for your students.
Blogging: Write blogs related to your course topic. This not only showcases your expertise but also helps in driving organic traffic.
Email marketing: Build an email list and engage your audience with newsletters, special offers, and course updates.
Collaborate: Team up with other instructors or influencers in your niche. This can help you tap into their audience base and vice versa.
Paid advertising: Consider investing in ads on platforms like Facebook or Google to reach a broader audience. Ensure you're targeting the right demographics for the best results.
3. Dropshipping and ecommerce
Dropshipping is an ecommerce model where the retailer doesn't hold products in stock. Instead, when a product is sold, it's purchased from a third party (usually a manufacturer or wholesaler) and shipped directly to the customer. Essentially, the retailer acts as a middleman between the supplier and the consumer.
Benefits of starting dropshipping
Low initial investment: No need for a large capital outlay for inventory.
Flexibility in product range: Easily change or expand products based on market demand.
Reduced risk: No unsold inventory costs.
Scalability: Operational demands don’t grow significantly with increased sales.
Challenges
Lower profit margins: Since you're not buying in bulk.
Inventory issues: Relying on third-party stock can sometimes lead to sync issues.
Shipping complexities: Different suppliers can mean varied shipping costs and times.
Limited control: Over product quality, fulfillment speeds, and stock levels.
Setting up a store
Shopify: A user-friendly platform with built-in features specifically designed for dropshipping. It integrates seamlessly with dropshipping services like Gelato, which helps you source products.
WooCommerce: A WordPress plugin that transforms your site into an online store. It requires a bit more hands-on work compared to Shopify but provides greater customization. There are plugins available, like “WooDropship”, tailored for the dropshipping business model.
When setting up, prioritize clean design, easy navigation, and ensure mobile-friendliness. Also, integrate secure payment gateways to build trust with potential customers.
Choosing a product
The product you choose can make or break your dropshipping venture. Here are the popular dropshipping products and why they can be profitable in 2023:
Hats: Always in fashion and cater to various niches (sports teams, hobbies, regions, etc.). Lightweight, leading to potentially lower shipping costs.
Socks: Constant demand and offer endless design possibilities, from quirky prints to luxury materials. They're also compact and lightweight.
Towels: High repeat purchase rate as towels wear out or are needed in sets. Cater to both everyday use and luxury markets.
Blankets: Seasonal demand, especially during colder months. They also appeal to various demographics, from cozy throw blankets for couples to themed ones for children.
Backpacks: Broad audience appeal, from students to travelers to professionals. Continuous innovation (e.g., anti-theft, ergonomic design) keeps the market fresh.
For any product, thorough market research is key. Identify trends on platforms like Facebook marketplace, understand your target audience, and ensure your chosen products align with your brand identity.
4. Print on demand
Print on Demand is an ecommerce model where products are printed only once an order is placed. This means there's no need to buy or store vast amounts of inventory. Instead, when a customer places an order, the chosen design is printed on the product, which is then shipped directly to them. Common products for POD include t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, photo books, wall art, and more.
Setting up a store with platforms like Gelato
Gelato has made a significant mark in the world of POD platforms. Its unique selling propositions are:
Simplicity for newcomers: Gelato's print on demand platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those new to ecommerce to start their journey smoothly.
Zero-inventory ecommerce business: You can focus solely on design and marketing, without worrying about dead stock or storage. This model drastically reduces the upfront costs and risks associated with traditional retail.
Global reach: With Gelato, you can design, list, and sell your custom products to an audience spanning continents. It offers a network of printers worldwide, ensuring that products are printed closer to the customer.
Sidestepping common hurdles: One of the significant pain points in ecommerce is managing inventory and handling logistics. With POD and platforms like Gelato, these concerns are virtually eliminated.
Faster, smarter, cheaper, and greener deliveries: Gelato emphasizes not only efficiency but also sustainability. By printing products closer to the end consumer, it reduces shipping times, costs, and carbon footprint.
Design tips for your products
Research trends: Keep an eye on design trends and current events. This can inspire timely and popular designs.
Maintain originality: While it's okay to draw inspiration, avoid copying. Original designs not only stand out but also keep you away from copyright issues.
Quality matters: Use high-resolution graphics to ensure your printed products look professional and sharp, commanding an optimal price.
Test designs: Before listing a new design, order a sample for yourself. This allows you to gauge print quality and make any necessary adjustments.
In today's digital age, the myriad of opportunities to make money online is vast and accessible, even for beginners. From blogging to affiliate marketing, dropshipping, and more, there's a method that can cater to your skill set and interests.
Among these avenues, utilizing platforms like Gelato, the world's largest platform for local print on demand, stands out. With the ability to produce on-demand products across 32 countries, Gelato empowers creators, entrepreneurs, and even global brands to reach an impressive audience of up to 5 billion potential consumers almost instantly. As you venture into the realm of online earning, embracing tools and platforms that amplify your reach is crucial.
Ready to expand your horizons? Sign up for Gelato today and transform your online income potential!