Many people want to make Money online because of the many benefits and relatively low barriers to entry. Most methods of making money online only require a computer or mobile device and a solid internet connection.

This method allows you to trade on your own schedule and from anywhere. You can earn money while traveling the world or from the comfort of your own home.

If you’re not sure which method of making money online is right for you, we’re here to help. This article takes a look at 10 short term and 25 long term ways to make money online. For each method we look at the necessary tools and skills, the possible benefits and the target group of the method.

Whether you’re looking for ways to make extra money or want to start a new business, we hope this article helped you decide how to make money online.

How to Make Money Online – Video Tutorials
If you prefer to learn the best methods of making money online in a video, check out this tutorial with seven easy ways to make money online.

Consider our top picks for the best ways to start making money online immediately:

1. Sell used items. Offer items you already own, like used clothes, furniture, and appliances.
2. Create and sell artwork. Sell goods with your designs printed on them and accept commissions to create custom artwork.
3. Take online surveys. Make money while helping companies improve their products and services by sharing your opinions on survey websites.
4. Test games and apps. Become one of the first to try out new games and apps and share your thoughts with the developers.
5. Review websites. Improve the user experience of various websites by testing them and giving feedback.
6. Become a mystery shopper. Get paid to shop at various businesses and share your experience to help companies improve customer service and satisfaction.
7. Monetize school notes. Excel at your studies while earning extra income by sharing your organized notes with other students.
8. Become a voice-over artist. Use your voice and make money immediately by narrating movie trailers, commercials, and audiobooks.
9. Sell stock videos and photos. Enjoy passive income by taking high-quality photos and videos and selling them for people to use in their content.
10. Compose and sell royalty-free music. Write songs and offer them to people interested in incorporating music into their videos or podcasts.

In the next section, we will discuss these methods of making money online in detail and offer tips to help you maximize profits.

1. Sell Used Items

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, second-hand items to sell
• Best for: anyone who owns a lot of items in relatively good condition
• Potential income: $10-$15/item

Selling or renting out items you have is a great way of earning money online and decluttering your space.

One of the most popular second-hand item categories is clothing. The global market value of the second-hand clothing industry is projected to reach $218 billion by 2026.

After cataloging items to sell, take high-quality product photos before listing them on online marketplaces. Consider making a website to host your own online store and turn this into a long-term business venture.

Here are some of the best online marketplaces to sell second-hand goods:

• Depop. A popular platform for selling new or pre-loved goods like apparel, accessories, and skincare products.
• Gadget Salvation. A website people use to buy and sell used electronics in decent condition.
• Reverb. The largest online marketplace for buying and selling new, used, and vintage musical instruments.

2. Create and Sell Artwork

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, art supplies and skills
• Best for: digital or traditional artists
• Potential income: dozens to thousands of dollars – varies widely depending on the artist’s popularity and artwork type

Artists can make good money by selling digital or physical artworks and accepting commissions. Increase exposure and attract buyers by posting your art on online communities like ArtStation and DeviantArt.

Selling art through a social media account is also a great option. For example, create an Instagram account dedicated to your art and activate the Instagram Shopping feature.

Alternatively, get on Facebook Marketplace, join groups, and promote your art to potential customers.

You can also sell designs through your own website. Make a portfolio website to attract clients. Additionally, make more money by creating an online store to sell items bearing your designs.

ArtStation‘s art marketplace lets artists earn up to 95% from sales. On the other hand, you can earn 100% profit if you sell on your website or social media channels.

3. Take Online Surveys

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device
• Best for: people who love expressing their opinion
• Potential income: $0.25-$5/hour

Many people earn extra money by participating in company surveys about consumer behavior. The results of these surveys can help companies make informed decisions about their business.

Most survey sites offer low pay, and survey takers can only cash out after reaching a certain earnings threshold. Additionally, many surveys are limited to a specific demographic.

The following are some popular survey sites where you can make a few bucks in your spare time:

• Swagbucks. Earn points by watching videos, completing surveys, or playing games. Afterward, exchange them for gift cards or cash.
• Survey Junkie. Participate in market surveys and help companies improve their products and services.
• Harris Poll Online. Answer polls and enter the survey platform’s reward program.
• QuickRewards. Play games, watch videos, complete surveys and offers, or shop online for money. There is no earnings threshold, so you can cash out anytime.

Pro Tip

Although survey websites are legitimate businesses, make sure to conduct proper research before taking a survey. Some people create fake survey sites to steal your information and perform identity theft. Look out for red flags like sites that ask for confidential information and promise large payouts.

4. Test Games and Apps

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or a mobile device that supports the game or app, familiarity with games and apps
• Best for: avid gamers and app users
• Potential income: $0.50-$7.25/hour

Video games occupy the largest segment of the global digital media market. As a result, there are many opportunities for making extra money online via testing apps and games.

A good example is Mistplay, an app that lets you earn loyalty points for gift cards by playing mobile games.

Another example is Givling, a website where people can play trivia games to win cash prizes.

There is also the Global Beta Test Network by Keywords Studios. The program pays people to play games before their release date. Players must be at least 18 years old and sign a non-disclosure agreement.

While these games and apps offer an easy way to make extra money, some criminals use them as a front to steal personal information. So, always do proper research and check reviews to avoid scams.

5. Review Websites

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device and basic knowledge of website functionality and design
• Best for: those with great communication skills and familiarity with websites
• Potential income: $4-$120/test

If you are interested in web design and development, consider testing websites. This method is also great for those looking to start a web design business, as it gives you an insight into how the industry works.

The tester receives project-based payment, and rates may differ across platforms and methods. For example, UserTesting offers $10/test on average and up to $30 or $60 for longer Live Tests.

Here are other platforms where you can test websites and earn passive income from them:

• Trymata. A service offering mobile app and website usability testing through written surveys and recorded videos.
• Userbrain. A usability testing platform providing user experience testing for websites, applications, and software.
• Userlytics. A platform offering a wide range of user experience testing, including tests for websites, apps, prototypes, and virtual reality technology.

6. Become a Mystery Shopper

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, personal transport if you also want to take on offline jobs
• Best for: discreet and detail-oriented people
• Potential income: $10-$30/assignment

Many businesses and market research companies pay mystery shoppers to pose as regular customers, shop at various retail locations, and review the consumer experience. Remote work is also available, with tasks like evaluating eCommerce stores and call centers.

Some popular companies hiring mystery shoppers include:

• Secret Shopper. Choose from various mystery shopping opportunities, including online, on-the-phone, and on-site evaluations.
• BestMark. Evaluate customer service quality for companies as an independent contractor for benefits like money or free goods.
• Market Force. Visit local stores, evaluate the experience, and complete reports on the go with its Eyes:On mobile app.

Payments vary across companies. Shoppers typically receive free items, vouchers, and gift cards or earn around $10-$30 for each completed assignment. Be wary of companies who ask you to pay to become a mystery shopper or force you to take a certain number of jobs.

7. Monetize School Notes

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, well-structured school notes
• Best for: high school and college students
• Potential income: $2-$30/document

Selling school notes is an easy way for students to earn cash immediately. The notes should be complementary study documents that contain general but useful information, like flashcards, summaries, or study guides.

Do not commit academic misconduct or plagiarism when selling school notes. For example, avoid uploading photos of upcoming tests or distributing copyrighted material.

Although you can sell both digital and handwritten notes, the former is easier to structure and read.

Here are some popular platforms for selling school notes:

• Stuvia. This popular study material marketplace takes a 30% commission for every sale.
• Docmerit. This platform lets you earn up to 85% of your earnings per sale.
• NoteXchange. This site lets people sell school notes for $5-$40+ and earn a 100% commission for every sale if they are affiliates.

8. Become a Voice-Over Artist

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, voice recording software and hardware, great reading and speaking skills
• Best for: people with clear pronunciation and acting skills
• Potential income: $15-$45/hour

Voice-over talents are always in demand as companies need people to narrate their content. Examples include trailers, audio guides, commercials, audiobooks, and demonstration videos.

Pay varies depending on experience, project type, and script length. The average salary of voice-over artists in the United States is $30/hour.

You can get started by finding voice-over jobs on freelance websites like Upwork.

You can also sign up for Voices or ACX. These platforms will connect you to clients needing voice-over talents and authors looking for audiobook narrators.

To become a good voice-over talent, develop versatility as well as consistent and clear articulation. Practice sample scripts to find a niche that suits you.

Don’t forget to invest in good voice recording hardware and software. Make sure to record in an ideal environment with minimal background noise.

9. Sell Stock Videos and Photos

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, a camera, high-quality lenses
• Best for: aspiring or professional photographers and videographers
• Potential income: $0.02-$0.45/image or $20-$40/video

Selling stock photos and videos is a great way to generate passive income, especially for those passionate about photography and videography. Many companies use stock content on their websites and marketing materials.

To sell your photos and videos, try listing your digital downloads on different online marketplaces. Alternatively, make a photography website and attract buyers there.

Here are some of the most popular websites for selling stock photos and videos:

• Shutterstock. Provides several earning tiers depending on the annual number of photo and video licenses.
• Getty Images. Offers a royalty rate of 15-45% based on contributor exclusivity and content type.
• VideoHive. Works with many contributors to offer a large library of stock videos. This Envato marketplace pays based on sales and whether you also sell your works elsewhere.

10. Compose and Sell Royalty-Free Music

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device with music production software, headphones, speakers, songwriting skills
• Best for: aspiring or professional composers and songwriters
• Potential income: $3-$25/sale

Creating and selling royalty-free music can be a great way to make extra cash for musically inclined people. Composing and producing tools are more accessible than ever these days, and this can be a fun way to explore your creativity while making money.

Stock or royalty-free music is typically created for mass use in other media content, such as commercials, films, or YouTube videos. Some have lyrics, but they are mostly instrumentals.

The following are some of the best websites to sell royalty-free music:

• AudioJungle. An Envato Market platform that gives you earnings based on contributor exclusivity and license type.
• Pond5. A media marketplace that offers a 35% royalty rate for music and sound effect creators.
• Epidemic Sound. A company working with music creators in the United States and Sweden offering a 50% royalty rate.

Top 25 Long-Term Strategies on How to Make Money Online

Unlike the various quick cash methods, the online money-making ideas in this section may require more time and money. In turn, these long-term business ventures can earn you a lot of money and even become your livelihood.

Note that the potential income ranges we included only serve as a rough estimate based on research.

1. Set up a Dropshipping Store

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, an eCommerce platform, product suppliers
• Best for: those who want to start an online business without managing inventory or shipping
• Potential income: $1,000-$2,000/month

Dropshipping lets people sell products without managing inventory or shipping. This method enlists suppliers to fulfill orders.

An important step in starting a dropshipping business is picking the right eCommerce platform.

We recommend setting up your own website using a CMS like WordPress and integrating WooCommerce to set up the store. Make sure to pick the best hosting plan for your chosen platform.

You must work with good suppliers to run a successful dropshipping business. Here are some websites for finding suppliers:

• Modalyst. Find suppliers from all over the globe and use its profit calculator for easy product pricing.
• Spocket. Connect with global suppliers and integrate seamlessly with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
• SaleHoo. Work with numerous vetted suppliers and connect with other dropshippers via its community forum.

2. Create an eCommerce Site

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, an eCommerce platform, digital or physical products
• Best for: aspiring entrepreneurs
• Potential income: $1,000-$100,000/month

Online stores have many advantages compared to offline ones, including wider market reach and lower startup costs.

If you focus on a specific niche, your eCommerce business will stand a better chance against rivals. Stay updated on currently trending products to decide which items to sell.

Create a business plan and set up essential elements like inventory, shipping, licenses, and permits. Don’t forget to pick an eCommerce platform that suits your needs.

The following are some of the best eCommerce platforms for creating an online store:

• Hostinger Website Builder. This easy-to-use site builder offers AI tools to help users with business and website creation tasks.
• WooCommerce. This plugin provides eCommerce tools to turn WordPress websites into full-fledged online stores.
• PrestaShop. This software offers many eCommerce tools, such as product management and data analysis.

If you need inspiration, some great examples of online businesses are Softy and Climbingvan.

Suggested Reading

Advantages and Disadvantages of eCommerce
How to Make Money With AI
How to Write a Business Plan
Best eCommerce Platforms

3. Write and Monetize Blog Posts

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, a blogging platform
• Best for: people who have a niche passion and love writing about it
• Potential income: $200-$100,000/month

If you are passionate about writing, try starting a blog.

People create a blog for various reasons – to share opinions and experiences, market products or services, or educate people on a certain topic.

For example, The Book Satchel is a blog focusing on book reviews and recommendations. Other popular blog ideas include travel, food, health, and lifestyle.

Picking a specific niche will increase your chances of success. For instance, instead of creating a generic food blog, try focusing on one type of cuisine.

There are numerous methods to make money blogging, including selling ad spaces, becoming an affiliate, accepting brand sponsorships, and selling products.

Although blogging can be a lucrative business, it takes time for your blog to become profitable. To quicken the process, be consistent, maintain high quality, and apply content marketing techniques.

4. Sign Up for Affiliate Networks

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, a significant following on one or multiple platforms
• Best for: people with an established audience on social media or other content-based platforms
• Potential income: $100-$100,000/month

If you have an established audience, consider affiliate marketing. This involves promoting a company’s products or services through your content. You will receive a commission whenever someone clicks on the affiliate link and purchases the item or service.

Sign up for programs relevant to your niche to maintain credibility and audience interest. For example, the Hostinger Affiliate Program could be a great fit for those in the web development or eCommerce industry.

Affiliate income varies widely depending on the number of readers and affiliate programs.

Check out some of the most lucrative affiliate programs:

• Amazon Associates. A popular program providing up to 20% fixed commission income rates.
• BeRush. A great program offering a $200 commission for every Semrush subscription sale.
• eBay Partner Network. A program offering a 1-4% commission rate, depending on the product category.

If you run a WordPress website, try using AffiliateWP. This excellent affiliate management plugin has many useful tools like reliable tracking, fraud detection, and detailed reports.

5. Build a Membership Website

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, exclusive content to offer to members
• Best for: people who want to offer niche content and build an exclusive community
• Potential income: $10-$10,000/month

Another great money-making method is building a membership website. This is a site where you offer exclusive content for your members. Offer multiple subscription plans so each member can decide the rewards each tier gets.

You can offer exclusive tips, posts, or videos. For example, 40 Aprons offers members-only recipes, eBooks, meal plans, and an ad-free site browsing experience. Make sure to tailor the content according to your chosen niche and listen to feedback from members.

This business model is great for the long term. It can provide a steady income stream, as users must renew their membership regularly to enjoy the exclusive rewards. In addition, it helps build a loyal community to whom you can market products or services.

Use WordPress membership plugins to create your website with ease. They offer features to help you create membership plans, generate business reports, and restrict content according to tiers.

6. Offer Advertising Space

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, an established website of your own
• Best for: website owners who want to make money while filling up the blank sections on their sites
• Potential income: $50-$1,000/month

Featuring ads on the blank spaces of your site is a great way to generate passive income. The amount of revenue is determined by the number of clicks and impressions the ads get.

Advertisers want to ensure the site featuring their ads is reputable and relevant to their niche. Therefore, create high-quality content that provides value and performs well on SERPs. In addition, use a heatmap tool to determine the best ad placements to optimize conversions and user experience.

A popular advertising network you can work with is Google AdSense. Simply sign up and embed the ad code on your site. For WordPress users, check out our tutorial on adding AdSense to WordPress.

Other great advertising networks to check out include:

• PropellerAds. Catch people’s attention using five different ad formats – push, pop-under, in-page push, interstitial, and direct click.
• Adcash. Boost revenue with its anti-ad blocker feature and worldwide reach.
• Media.net. Get exclusive access to the Yahoo! Bing Network search demand and feature relevant user intent-based ads.

7. Make Online Courses

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, expertise in your chosen topic
• Best for: people who want to make money while spreading their knowledge
• Potential income: $1,000-$10,000/month

If you are knowledgeable in a certain field and like creating learning materials, try selling online courses on an eLearning platform or your own website.

Going the eLearning platform route is easier, but creating an eLearning website offers more flexibility and control regarding course formats and monetization.

You can offer courses in various formats, including eBooks, presentations, podcasts, and videos. Sell them as digital products or subscription rewards.

To easily build an eLearning site, use a WordPress LMS plugin. Business, health, and personal development are some of the most sought-after online course topics.

If you prefer selling courses on eLearning platforms, consider the following sites:

• Skillshare. Offers thousands of courses on creative endeavors and personal development.
• Udemy. Provides over 200,000 video courses on various topics, ranging from IT to health and fitness.
• Podia. Offers users the ability to build websites, sell digital courses and products, and create membership-based communities.

8. Become an Online Tutor

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, a webcam, a web conferencing app, expertise in your chosen topic
• Best for: people who love teaching
• Potential income: $2,200-$6,800/month

If you want to share your knowledge but prefer a more direct way of teaching, consider online tutoring. This lets you teach students from all over the world.

Choose a subject you’re well-versed in. As a tutor, you must provide learning materials and be ready to answer student questions. Additionally, offer constructive feedback to help students improve and track their learning progress.

Some popular tutoring topics include chemistry, math, and foreign languages. Improve your credibility and rates by getting certifications in your chosen subject.

Market your services through your own website or an online tutoring platform. Here are some popular tutoring sites to consider:

• TutorMe. Tutor people online via live audio or video chat. Deliver detailed feedback on student papers and essays.
• Skooli. Set your own teaching schedule and accept instant student help requests when online.
• Preply. Teach foreign languages to students worldwide and set your own rate and schedule.

9. Start a Travel Consulting Business

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, travel experience, and extensive knowledge of chosen destinations
• Best for: well-traveled individuals or knowledgeable locals
• Potential income: $3,700-$8,100/month

If you enjoy traveling, monetize your passion by working as a travel consultant. Design trip itineraries and share your favorite spots and destinations, all while working remotely with a flexible schedule.

Take advantage of useful travel management software to create the best travel experiences for your customers. Broaden your knowledge by taking courses on hospitality, tourism, and foreign languages to become a better travel consultant.

Don’t forget to do proper research to provide customers with essential information like pricing, weather, customs, accommodation, and means of travel. Ask questions to get to know your customers better so you can tailor the trip to their needs.

Conduct business and market your services through your own website. Look to established travel consulting businesses like Southern Crossings and Spain Less Traveled for inspiration.

Alternatively, offer trip designing services on sites like Reco or become a local travel guide by signing up as a host on Withlocals.

10. Offer Graphic Design Services

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device, graphic design skills and software
• Best for: people passionate about digital art and design
• Potential income: $2,300-$6,400/month

Becoming a graphic designer is an excellent way to make money online for creatives passionate about art and design.

Graphic designers use design software like Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Designer to create their work. They often produce designs for marketing materials like logos, posters, and advertisements.

First, graphic designers will meet with clients to discuss the desired design. After creating the design according to the customer’s request, they will typically request feedback to see if additional revisions are necessary.

If you are interested in this money-making method, check out some of the best sites for finding graphic design jobs:

• Dribbble. Promote your artwork, connect with fellow designers, and work with clients through various freelance projects or opportunities listed on its job board.
• 99designs. Earn money by working directly with clients worldwide or entering a Design Contest.
• DesignCrowd. Work as a freelance graphic designer and provide clients with designs for almost any product, from websites to book covers.

11. Develop Websites for a Living

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer, web development skills and software
• Best for: people interested in programming and web development
• Potential income: $3,500-$9,300/month

The average base salary of a freelance web developer is around $82,000/year. Moreover, the employment of digital designers and web developers is projected to grow by 23% between 2021 and 2031. Due to the high demand for these jobs, now is a great time to jump into the industry.

The first step of becoming a web developer is to choose a web development specialization. Doing so will save you time, money, and energy and help you stand out among competitors.

After choosing a specialization to pursue, learn how to code. Plenty of websites and courses can help you get started:

• BitDegree. Offers beginner and advanced courses, as well as scholarship opportunities.
• Coursera. Partners with over 200 universities and companies to provide certified courses and specializations.
• Codecademy. Perfect for beginners who want short and interactive courses to complete in a few hours.

If you want to join the web development business, consider participating in a coding boot camp like Flatiron School or Rithm School to enhance career advancement opportunities.

12. Build an App

Method Stats:

• Prerequisites: a computer or mobile device as well as skills and tools in programming, UI/UX design, back-end computing, and cross-platform app development
• Best for: people with a passion for app development
• Potential income: $4,100-$9,100/month

Creating an app is a great way to profit from ra