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Okay, let’s get right to the point. You have Wi-Fi, a gadget that connects to it, and most likely too many hours spent scrolling through dog videos, memes, and conspiracy theories about pigeons being government spies (which they aren’t, or are they?). So why not make money off of that screen time?
Now, earning money online isn’t a one-shot deal that will make your bank account look like Elon Musk’s. However, the internet can serve as your digital ATM if you possess patience, curiosity, and perhaps a little bit of inventiveness.
Let’s take a look at some strategies for starting to accumulate digital wealth while lounging in your favorite blanket.
Selling Your Skills Without Wearing Your Pants: Freelance Work
One of the most legitimate ways to earn money online is through freelancing, and guess what? You can do it in your pajamas or without any pants at all if you don’t mind.
You can offer skills like writing, graphic design, coding, translating, voiceovers, and even something completely random like naming people’s babies (yes, that’s a thing) on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Additionally, you are not required to be an expert. You just need to be better than the average bear, and someone will pay for what you can do. The trick is to start small, get reviews, and then raise your rates once you feel fancy and professional.
Online Education: Because You’re More Informed Than You Believe
Even though you’re not an expert, you can teach online if you can help someone solve algebraic problems, bake cookies without burning them, or, lastly, keep their houseplants alive.
You can make and sell courses using platforms like Teachable, Skillshare, and Udemy. Alternatively, you can use websites like Preply or Chegg Tutors to tutor students.
Bonus tip: If you’re camera shy, you don’t even have to reveal your face. You can become a digital professor by simply recording your screen and speaking in a friendly manner. without the student loans.
Create a YouTube channel or blog to discuss topics and earn money.
You can earn money by sharing your thoughts, passions, or stories with the world—and who doesn’t? Although blogging and vlogging are gradual endeavors, they can yield significant rewards if you persevere.
The key is to choose a niche. Not simply “lifestyle”—that’s too general. Try “travel tips for introverts who hate people” or “minimalist living for people who hoard socks.”
Ads, sponsored content, affiliate links, and possibly the sale of your own goods once your audience has gained confidence in you are how you generate revenue. Simply be truthful and reliable. Even over Wi-Fi, people can detect fake from a distance because they love real.
Affiliate Marketing: Getting Paid to Promote Items You Like
Although it may seem like one of those scams, affiliate marketing is very popular and, when done correctly, completely legal.
The steps are as follows: You suggest a product, someone clicks on your link to purchase it, and you immediately receive payment. You don’t have to make your own products, deal with shipping, or put on a customer service headset.
Like almost every other retailer, Amazon has an affiliate program. It’s likely that your favorite sock company has one—in fact, they ought to. You can include links to websites that people might find helpful, such as blogs, YouTube videos, TikToks, or even your grandmother’s knitting forum.
Online Shops: A Classier Take on the New Garage Sale
You can sell goods online. Of course. Not just old stuff from your attic, though that’s a good place to start.
Without ever handling inventory, you can start an Etsy store, sell digital downloads, print-on-demand merchandise, or even dropship goods from vendors.
It’s now simpler than ever to sell on Facebook Marketplace, Shopify, or Etsy. You can sell artwork, print personalized mugs, or make shirts with odd jokes like the classic “I paused my game to be here.”
And the beauty of the internet? You only need 0.01% of people on the planet to enjoy your content in order to profit from it. That is still the case for thousands of people.
Surveys, Testing Sites, and Other Side Projects
If you’re not quite ready to launch a business or write a course, there are easier (though less profitable) ways to earn some extra cash.
- Join websites such as UserTesting, InboxDollars, or Swagbucks.
- While watching Netflix, complete surveys.
- Test websites and provide comments such as “Please fix this button that made me cry.”
Although you won’t become wealthy doing this, it will feel strangely fulfilling, much like finding change in your couch.
Your New Internet Money Coach’s Last Words
Like anything worthwhile, earning money online takes time and effort. You won’t get rich overnight unless you accidentally invent the next Wordle. However, if you have the right mindset, a little effort, and a good sense of humor, you can make a living—or at least a respectable side income—online.
Just remember that anything that claims to make you rich overnight is probably illegal, unethical, or going to leave you in a difficult situation. Don’t fall for it.
Stay smart. Continue to be curious. If nothing else works, start a blog that chronicles your journey. Going viral could save you from ever having to wear actual pants again.
