Why You Need To Know This

We’re living in a time where inflation is wild, debt is at an all-time high, and let’s be real—people need more money. Some just want extra cash to breathe easier, while others dream of escaping their 9-to-5 entirely.

The good news? There are more opportunities than ever to make money online. The bad news? Most people don’t know where to start.

But here’s the thing—you already have the main tools you need:

✅ Your phone or laptop

✅ Wi-Fi (and if you don’t have it, Starbucks and the library got you)

That’s all you need to start. The rest? That’s strategy. And that’s what I’m about to break down for you.

Step 1: Choose Your Path

Making money online is like a Choose Your Own Adventure book—you have options. The problem is, most people get stuck here, afraid to commit because it feels too permanent.

But here’s the thing: Your first choice isn’t forever—it’s just your starting point. You can pivot later.

After working with businesses, studying successful entrepreneurs, and building my own brand, I’ve found that most online income streams fall into five categories.

The 5 Best Ways to Make Money Online

1. Affiliate Marketing (The Easiest Entry Point)

Affiliate marketing is simply promoting someone else’s product or service and getting paid a commission when people buy through your unique link.

Example: You see this all over TikTok. People post about a product, add their affiliate link, and boom—they make money when you buy it.

• Low barrier to entry (no need to create your own product)

• No inventory, no shipping, no upfront cost

• Best for beginners who want to learn how to sell without making their own stuff

Where to start:

• Amazon Associates (Amazon’s affiliate program)

• TikTok Shop

• Clickbank (for digital products)

• Brand affiliate programs (Target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc.)

The key is to create content that naturally integrates the product—not just spam links. If done right, this can even lead to brand deals and UGC content opportunities.

2. Partner Programs (Getting Paid for Views)

Most social media platforms pay you for engagement through partner programs:

• YouTube AdSense (monetization from YouTube videos)

• TikTok Creator Fund

• Instagram & Facebook Bonuses

To make money this way, you need consistent content that attracts views. The best strategy? Pick a niche and create content people actually engage with. If you can get people to have discussions in the comments even better. This is why so many pages and influencers blow up using “Rage Baiting”, which is basically intentionally posting content that will piss off certain people.

Example Niches:

• Fitness

• Finance

• Investing

• Motivational clips

• Memes

• Relationships & dating advice

Success Tip: Before you start, research what’s working in your niche. See what’s trending, what gets engagement, and where the opportunities are.

3. Subscription Models (Monthly Recurring Revenue)

If you want consistent money every month, subscriptions are the way to go.

Examples:

• Patreon, OnlyFans, or Instagram Subscriptions – Offer exclusive content for paying members

• Community-based memberships (Slack, Discord, or private Facebook groups)

• Coaching or consulting retainers

The Key to Winning:

You have to show up consistently. If people are paying monthly, they need a reason to stay. If you stop showing up, they stop paying.

4. Digital Products (One of the Most Scalable Options)

Selling digital products is one of the best long-term ways to make money online.

Examples of digital products:

• E-books & guides

• Templates (Canva, email scripts, social media post templates)

• Courses (how-to guides, industry-specific skills)

Most people think, "Why would someone buy this when the info is free online?" You’re not just selling information—you’re selling a system, structure, and convenience.

Example: Fitness marketing is different from real estate marketing. A photographer’s strategy isn’t the same as a coach’s. People pay for niche-specific, step-by-step guidance.

Platforms to Sell On:

• Gumroad

• Teachable/Kajabi

• Stan.Store

• Shopify

• ConvertKit (for email-based digital products)

5. Freelancing & Services (Selling Your Skills)

If you have a skill—graphic design, video editing, copywriting, social media management, coaching, etc.—you can start freelancing today. If you don’t have a skill you can use Youtube or take a course and learn the skill.

Where to Find Clients:

• Fiverr & Upwork (for remote digital services)

• TaskRabbit & Thumbtack (for local services)

• Cold outreach (DMs, emails, networking)

Success Tip: Niche down. Instead of saying "I do social media management," say "I help fitness brands grow on Instagram." Specialization makes it easier to get clients.

Want bigger money? Once you master a skill, you can scale into an agency (where you provide services at a higher level).

Step 2: Make a Plan & Take Action

1. Set a Clear Goal – How much do you want to make per month? Be realistic but ambitious.

2. Pick ONE Business Model – Don’t chase five things at once. Lock in for at least 3-6 months before pivoting.

3. Study & Learn – Spend a few days deep diving into your chosen model via YouTube, blogs, or courses.

4. Create a Marketing Plan – Choose an inbound (content marketing) or outbound (direct outreach) approach.

5. Track Progress & Optimize – Test different content, pricing, and offers to see what works best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shiny Object Syndrome – Stick to one thing for at least 3-6 months before jumping ship.

Not Knowing Your Audience – Do the research. Know what they want before creating a product.

Overcomplicating the Process – Don’t get stuck in perfection. Done is better than perfect.

Not Asking for Help – There are free resources & communities—use them.

Quitting Too Soon – Success takes time. Give your strategy time to work.

Final Thoughts: Make This Work for YOU

If you’re serious about making money online, commit to taking action. Whether it’s an extra $500 or building a full-time income, the only thing standing between you and your goal is execution.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments. Let’s get to work.

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