23 Effective Ways To Make Money Online
Learn how to make money online with Shopify’s comprehensive list. Learn about ecommerce, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, and more ways to earn online.
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Are you dreaming of building your own business, or simply looking for ideas to make extra money on the side?
With the advance ofecommerce, there are more ways than ever to make money on the web. Whether you’re selling your used clothes on a marketplace, creating merch for your TikTok shop, or turning your hobby into an online business, there are tools to help.
And if you don’t yet have an idea in mind, this list will spark ideas for making money online—no matter your skill level. Ahead, explore 23 creative money-making ideas, including everything from side hustles and passive income websites to advanced business models.
How to make money online
- Sell print-on-demand products
- Monetize a blog
- Sell digital products
- Become a reseller
- Try affiliate marketing
- Become an influencer
- Offer transcription services
- Sell photos online
- Create and sell handmade or custom products
- Write and sell books or ebooks
- Start a dropshipping business
- Sell services or consultancy
- Create online courses and workshops
- Monetize a YouTube channel
- Livestream on Twitch (or other platforms)
- Become a social media consultant
- Start a podcast
- Sell products through online marketplaces
- Develop and sell a unique product
- Become an online tutor
- Become an Airbnb host
- Narrate audiobooks
- Make a subscription box
1. Sell print-on-demand products
Print on demand is a popular online business model that’s used by both individual sellers and large online brands. It lets you customize white-label products with original designs and sell them to customers, without needing to buy or hold inventory yourself.
When a customer purchases one of your items, a print-on-demand company will print your design onto the product, package the order, and ship it to the customer. Common print-on-demand products include t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and fan merch—but it’s also possible to add designs to unique items if you can find the right supplier.
Best for
If you want to test your ability to make money online, printing products on demand is a low-risk, low-investment way to get started. Print on demand is also a go-to model for influencers, artists, and brands selling merch.
Effort level
If you’re able to produce designs, it’s easy to start a print-on-demand store.
How to start
- Launch an online store or set up profiles on marketplaces.
- Connect a print-on-demand app to your storefront.
- Select your products.
- Customize your products by uploading original designs.
- Set prices and delivery terms.
- List your custom products for sale with persuasive images and product descriptions.
2. Monetize a blog
Running a blog isn’t just about sharing your knowledge or experiences; it’s also a proven way to earn online. Whether it’s through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or direct product sales, a monetized blog can become a significant income source.
Best for
Great for writers, cultural commentators, or anyone with expertise to share with a niche audience.
Effort level
A regular publishing schedule is key to growing a successful blog and requires a sustained, ongoing effort.
How to start
- Choose a blogging platform that supports monetization.
- Select a niche you are passionate about and can consistently write on, offering unique insights and value.
- Regularly create and post engaging content to build a loyal audience.
- Implement SEO strategies to increase organic traffic to your blog.
🎈 This DIY Blogger Monetized her Following
Jordan Ferney started Oh Happy Day as a blog, eventually opening her own online party supply store once she built a massive audience.Read Jordan’s story
3. Sell digital products
Selling digital products is a great way to earn cash online with minimal ongoing effort. These products range from ebooks and templates to music samples and online courses, all deliverable via download or secure portal access.
Like print-on-demand products and blogging, digital products can become part of a multi-revenue stream business. For example, you might start a food blog before collecting the recipes you’ve shared into an ebook, and selling branded merch to support its launch.
Best for
From musicians to educators, digital products are ideal for creators and experts who want to monetize their skills and knowledge.
Effort level
Digital products are highly scalable. Once created, there’s no limit to how many times you can sell a digital item.
How to start
- Create a store where customers can buy and access your digital content.
- Create your art, music, courses, templates, or other digital items. If your products include licensed material, ensure you comply with any laws.
- Use social media and content marketing to drive traffic to your store.
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How To Start an Online Store in 2024 (10-Step Guide)
Follow this step-by-step guide to set up an ecommerce website and start selling to customers today.
4. Become a reseller
Reselling products online is a straightforward way to earn money. This can involve anything from flipping vintage items to becoming a distributor for a well-known brand. You can also curate a selection of products from various brands to sell through your ecommerce store.
Best for
Ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start an ecommerce business quickly without developing products.
Effort level
While you won’t need to create products, running a reselling business does mean handling inventory, which can be time-consuming.
How to start
- Decide on the type of products you want to resell. Consider markets you are familiar with or have a passion for.
- Source products from wholesalers or private sellers.
- Connect with interested shoppers on marketplaces or by creating a store.
5. Try affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a tried-and-tested way to earn online income by promoting other brands’ products. As an affiliate, you earn a commission each time someone clicks your affiliate link and makes a purchase. Effective content marketing can significantly boost the performance of your affiliate links.
Best for
Affiliate marketing is a convenient business model for content creators, bloggers, and social media influencers with an established audience looking to monetize their reach.
Effort level
Building a loyal online audience is a challenge for any creator. But once your content is receiving traffic, maintenance is very low with affiliate marketing.
How to start
- Apply for affiliate programs that are relevant to your niche.
- Integrate your affiliate links with your content.
- Ensure transparency with your audience by disclosing affiliate relationships.
Get paid by brands you love with Shopify Collabs
Shopify Collabs makes it easy to find brands that match your vibe, build affiliate relationships, get paid for what you sell, and track everything in one place.Learn about Shopify Collabs
6. Become an influencer
Influencer marketing is a dynamic field where you don’t necessarily need a huge following to secure lucrative brand deals. From an earning perspective, being a successful influencer is all about knowing how to engage with a valuable group of potential customers. For example, brands value influencers like Amanda Rach Lee, not just for their large followings, but for their ability to engage and influence future buyers.
Best for
Ideal for aspiring creators who can consistently produce engaging content and want to leverage their influence over a dedicated audience.
Effort level
Being an influencer is a full-time job. You’ll need to maintain and grow an engaged audience by continuously creating content and exploring new channels like Patreon and Twitch.
How to start
- Build your following on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram.
- Monetize your influence. Shopify Collabs is a streamlined way to connect with relevant brands.
- Consider selling directly to followers using Shopify’s Starter Plan.
🌵 TikTok’s Plant Mom Spun Virality Into a Brand
Get inspired by Sonja Detrinidad, a mortgage professional turned succulent influencer who monetized her audience to start her plant business, Partly Sunny Projects.Read Sonja’s story
7. Offer transcription services
Transcribers convert live or recorded speech into a written document. Transcription services are in high demand among professionals like journalists, doctors, and lawyers who need accurate records of their audio communications. If you’re a fast typer or a person with multilingual skills, this can be a natural way to convert your abilities into online cash.
Best for
If you have fast typing skills and excellent listening abilities, transcription is a flexible, work-from-home opportunity.
Effort level
While transcription is a straightforward task, it requires skill and experience to become an expert transcriber. You may also need to invest in a specialist keyboard and tools.
How to start
- Develop your typing and listening skills to ensure high-quality transcription.
- Register on platforms that connect transcribers with clients, such as Rev or TranscribeMe.
8. Sell photos online
Whether you’re shooting on the newest iPhone or the latest Canon DSLR, you can sell photos online as a photographer. One of the best money-making ideas for creatives, selling photos in your spare time is easy to start if you already have a body of work.
Partner with a local printer to print your photos on specialty paper or other materials, or invest in a high-quality home printer. You can ship and sell numbered and signed versions of your photos directly to customers through your website.
Best for
Photographers and photography enthusiasts eager to transform their hobby into a profitable online business.
Effort level
Anyone can build a portfolio and set up an online presence. But making it as a popular photographer is a long and difficult journey.
How to start
- Curate a strong portfolio that showcases your best work.
- Build awareness for your brand by growing your following on social media.
- Consider offering physical prints and licensing photos to stock sites.
9. Create and sell handmade or custom products
You’re already an expert at your craft, so why not sell your work? Making products by hand is a great way to turn a passion into a business. Hand-making goods gives you full control over product development and quality, but can be time-consuming. To attract interest, consider allowing customers to customize orders to their specifications.
Best for
Ideal for makers, crafters, and hobbyists—as well as entrepreneurs who partner with craftspeople to build a business.
Effort level
Running a successful online craft business requires significant effort, but can be simplified with the right selling tools.
How to start
- Research your target market to develop products that meet a market need.
- Hone your brand story to differentiate your products from competitors.
- Create an online store that promotes a strong brand identity.
👓 How a Crafter Scaled Her Eyewear Business
Kerin Rose Gold started designing her own sunglasses before being spotted by top celebs. Now she employs other artists as she grows her brand, A-Morir.Read Kerin’s story
10. Write and sell books or ebooks
In the same way that you can monetize your expertise with an online course or your influence as a YouTuber, you can also earn cash selling books or ebooks online. This approach suits a variety of formats and genres, from fiction and memoirs to self-help and instructional guides.
Best for
Best for writers, journalists, and experts in any field looking to share their knowledge or stories.
Effort level
Writing and editing a book is a high-effort activity. Once your book is published, the effort shifts to marketing your new title.
How to start
- Ensure your book idea is framed in an original way or offers a new perspective on a topic.
- Build a relationship with a publishing house or use a print-on-demand publishing service to create your book.
🍜 How a YouTube Chef Became a Published Author
Serial entrepreneur and self-taught vegan chef Wil Yeung built his business with a YouTube content strategy. He now sells his recipes as books, ebooks, and courses online.Read Wil’s story
11. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a low-cost business model where products are shipped to customers directly from the vendor or manufacturer. This is a popular way to make money online for beginners, as there is no need to handle inventory or shipping—you’re simply responsible for making sales and supporting customers.
Best for
Dropshipping is a convenient model for anyone looking to start an online business with minimal upfront investment.
Effort level
To become a dropshipper, you need to source suppliers, build an online store, and generate customer orders.
How to start
- Create a store and connect a dropshipping app.
- Find a product supplier that supports dropshipping.
- Use SEO, social media, and other digital marketing strategies to attract customers.
12. Sell services or consultancy
While it may be most common to think of selling physical products online, you can also sell services and expertise. Consider selling a virtual service like online personal shopping, home décor consulting, or one-to-one personal training.
Best for
This is perfect for experts in any field who want to monetize their skills, from surf instructors to cat psychologists.
Effort level
With selling services best suited to existing practitioners, the effort required to monetize your service online is very low.
How to start
- Make it easy for customers to book appointments and schedule services by adding a booking app to your store.
- Social proof is a powerful marketing tool for service providers. Ask happy clients to write or record reviews and post them on your site.
13. Create online courses and workshops
Online courses and workshops are another form of digital product that you can create to earn income from your expertise. Selling courses online is made easier using a course platform, or via your own website. Add a digital course delivery app to your store to help you sell courses.
Best for
Online course and workshops are great for educators, experts, and those who can share their approach to a notable win (perhaps you’re an ultra runner who just completed a long race, or an illustrator whose work has appeared in major advertising campaigns, for example).
Effort level
Content creation for an online course can be an intensive, months-long process. Depending on whether a course contains live elements, running your program may be low-effort.
How to start
- Perform a competitive analysis to ensure your courses offer unique value.
- Build your customer list with free samples and public content.
- Consider offering live elements like instructor office hours or exclusive Q&A sessions.
14. Monetize a YouTube channel
Top YouTube influencers like Cassey Ho, Wil Yeung, and Katie Carson all started where you are: With an idea. Each of these YouTubers built audiences through authentic content before monetizing their channels. If you want to make money online by sharing your personality and unique outlook with the world, consider starting a YouTube channel.
Best for
This is a good way for individuals passionate about creating video content and building a community around their interests.
Effort level
It takes an hour or two to start a YouTube channel. From there, growing and maintaining your audience is a continuous process.
How to start
- When you reach 1,000 subscribers, monetize your channel through YouTube’s Partner Program.
- Consider offering paid product placement in your videos or becoming a brand affiliate.
Start selling your products on YouTube from Shopify
Shopify comes with powerful tools that help you promote and sell products on YouTube. Sync your product catalog, tag or pin products in livestreams, and manage all your sales from Shopify.Start selling on YouTube
15. Livestream on Twitch (or other platforms)
While the first platform that comes to mind for livestreaming may be Twitch, a popular site for gamers and other content creators, platforms like YouTube and Instagram now offer native livestreaming. You can livestream everything from game play to recipe demos to bike tours. Hone in on a niche to build an audience around a particular interest or skill.
Best for
Livestreaming is ideal for gamers, creative content creators, and those who enjoy interacting live with an audience.
Effort level
Building and maintaining an audience requires consistent interaction. Many popular Twitch streamers are online for several hours every day.
How to start
- Choose your platform, such as Twitch for gaming or YouTube for a variety of content.
- Set up your streaming environment. Invest in a good camera, microphone, and background.
- Develop a regular streaming schedule to build a loyal audience.
- Monetize your Twitch channel by selling products using the Shopify Starter Plan.
16. Become a social media consultant
Do you jump on every new social media platform? Have a knack for spotting trends, writing great copy, or attracting audiences? As a social media consultant, you could work with brands to brainstorm creative ideas, develop a content strategy, and produce posts.
Best for
This is a good avenue for social media savvy users who have successfully built a following.
Effort level
On top of your work for clients, you’ll need to invest in networking, client management, and staying on top of the latest social media trends.
How to start
- Build a social following to demonstrate your ability.
- Set up social media accounts and a portfolio website to showcase your work.
- Become a Shopify partner to offer your skills to clients.
17. Start a podcast
By the end of 2024, the number of podcast listeners worldwide is predicted to grow to more than 500 million. This popular audio format for consuming stories, comedy, news, and opinions continues to grow. If you have a great voice, love to talk, and have a particular interest or talent to share, podcasting could be a great way to make more money.
Best for
Those who can tell a story, provoke discussion, or get a scoop from an interview participant.
Effort level
Once you have an audience, they will expect regular episodes to keep them engaged.
How to start
- Set up an account with a podcast service like Spotify, Stitcher, or Apple Music.
- Once you’ve posted a few episodes, pay attention to feedback and make adjustments to your production quality.
- Monetize your podcast through sponsorship deals and in-podcast ads.
18. Sell products through online marketplaces
Online marketplaces are launch points for many now-successful brands, because they provide access to motivated consumers. For example, Etsy is a go-to source for buyers looking for handmade and vintage items, while Amazon is a global destination for product discovery and research.
Best for
Entrepreneurs looking to enter ecommerce with minimal investment in marketing should consider using marketplaces.
Effort level
With marketplaces, you can get up and running quickly because there’s less pressure to drive traffic or build a brand.
How to start
- Check marketplace guidelines around what you can sell and acceptable use of the platform.
- Consider selling products on marketplaces as well as through your own store. Syncing inventory is easy using a Marketplace Connector.
🥄 Old World Kitchen’s Leap From Etsy to Shopify
The Polder family started their handcrafted wooden spoon brand by selling door to door before launching on Etsy. Now, they sell both through the marketplace and a standalone ecommerce store.Read the Polder family’s story
19. Develop and sell a unique product
When you think of most direct-to-consumer brands, this is what comes to mind: original products that make meaningful improvements to well-known items. You too can develop and manufacture a unique product to sell—and make money online in the process. Consider designing a prototype for a product that solves a common problem, then finding a manufacturer to create it.
Best for
Aspiring product developers and designers might try making and selling unique products.
Effort level
It’s likely to take several months to move from design to prototype to manufacturing.
How to start
- Research manufacturers to find the right fit for your product and brand.
- Consider private label manufacturers that can customize existing base products, allowing you to go to market quickly.
- Be sure to check labeling laws in every region where you plan to sell.
20. Become an online tutor
If you are knowledgeable in subjects like biology, math, or languages, you could earn income on the side with online tutoring. With sites like TutorMe and Fiverr, you can easily make money online by finding students who need your help. Or set up a simple website and use social media and peer recommendations to drive traffic and sign-ups.
Best for
Educators and experts in specific subject areas who enjoy teaching and want to use their knowledge to earn online income.
Effort level
Developing an engaging teaching style is not easy, and often requires honing your skills and content over time. However, providing a good learning experience will help attract future students through word-of-mouth marketing.
How to start
- Register on online tutoring platforms like TutorMe or create a profile on Fiverr to offer your services.
- Alternatively, set up a website to promote your tutoring services.
- Use word-of-mouth marketing to increase your visibility and attract more students.
- Licenses or diplomas may be required by each platform and subject.
21. Become an Airbnb host
Have an unused spare bedroom, in-law suite, or carriage house? Create a cozy guest experience and invite travelers into your home. You can make good money from your investment to help you pay your mortgage, cover expenses, or even save money for the future. Make even more money by selling products to your guests. Try using QR codes throughout your rental space to sell products seen in your home (throw pillows or scented hand soap) via affiliate links.
Best for
Airbnb and other rental solutions are best for property owners looking to earn money from their investment.
Effort level
To run a successful rental, you’ll need to invest in descriptive copy and high-quality images for your listing. A well-maintained property and attentive communication with guests will help attract positive reviews.
How to start
- Sign up for a free Airbnb account.
- Head to the Airbnb host page and follow the prompts to publish a new listing.
- Learn local laws, restrictions, and regulations for your area related to short-term rentals.
- Account for any occupancy taxes relevant to your region.
- Find out if permits are required by your area to rent out your space on a short-term basis.
22. Narrate audiobooks
Love reading and have a great speaking voice? Make money online by putting your talents and interests to use by becoming an audiobook narrator. Organization, professionalism, and meeting deadlines are important to help you build a good reputation. Try finding narration work through audiobook marketplaces like ACX, Bunny Studio, or Voices.
Best for
Narration work is great for those with strong vocal skills and a love for reading.
Effort level
Preparing, recording, and editing high-quality audio content requires the correct equipment or access to studio time.
How to start
- Develop your skills with voice training and practice reading aloud to enhance your narration technique.
- Create a professional recording setup at home with quality microphones and soundproofing.
- Register on audiobook narration platforms like ACX, Bunny Studio, or Voices to find work.
- Build a portfolio by recording samples of your narration and create a website to showcase your work.
23. Make a subscription box
A subscription business provides customers with products on a recurring basis, and can be a winning strategy for making money from home. There are two types of subscription businesses: replenishment model, where goods are delivered at intervals, and membership model, where members get access to perks or exclusive products. Subscription boxes fit into the former category.
Best for
If you’re engaged with trends and new product releases within a particular niche, subscription boxes are one way to monetize your knowledge.
Effort level
To sell subscription boxes, you’ll need to research products, curate each box, manage subscriptions, and handle logistics.
How to start
- Curate products within a category that appeal to a niche audience.
- Consider partnering with local small businesses to offer unique or luxury items.
- List your boxes on a platform that supports subscription management.
How to avoid online money-making scams
When exploring online money-making opportunities, it’s important to distinguish between legitimate ventures and potential scams.
Legitimate ways of making money online, like selling print-on-demand products or starting a subscription box brand, involve clear business models where you provide a service or product in exchange for payment.
These business ideas require genuine effort, creativity, and persistence—but in return, offer real potential for income.
Be cautious of money-making schemes that promise large profits for minimal effort. Unlike legitimate opportunities that provide clear steps and expected outcomes, the get-rich-quick schemes often touted by influencers and online celebrities rely on overhyped promises.
A common trap is “courses” that claim to teach online income generation methods. While some educational resources are invaluable, others are designed to profit from your enthusiasm rather than provide real skills. Before investing in any online business course, scrutinize the creator’s background, seek out genuine reviews, and ensure there is transparent communication about what the course entails.
Also, be wary of ecommerce platforms that lack customer support or user feedback systems. Legitimate platforms like Shopify or Etsy offer extensive support and have large communities that allow you to get real feedback from other users.
By researching thoroughly and approaching every opportunity with a critical eye, you can safely navigate the world of online money-making. Remember, if a business model sounds too good to be true, it likely is!
How to make money online in 2024
By choosing a method that fits your skills and experience, you can start your online business today. Earn passive income by dropshipping trending products or offer your expertise as a social media consultant. Whatever idea you choose from this list, you’re on your way to putting extra cash in your pocket.
From first-time sellers to global retailers, Shopify works for everyone. See plans and pricing.
Read more
- How To Source Products To Sell Online
- 25 Best Ways to Make Money From Home in 2024
- The 9 Best Dropshipping Websites for Your Online Store
- The 13 Best Dropshipping Suppliers in 2024
- 6 Tips for How To Be a Successful Dropshipper (Full Playbook)
- AliExpress Dropshipping- How to Dropship From AliExpress
- Amazon Dropshipping Guide- How To Dropship on Amazon (2024)
- 29 Best Affiliate Marketing Programs for Beginners
- What is Social Entrepreneurship? Types and Examples
- 10 Small Business Trends To Watch (New Research)
Make money online FAQ
Do you need skills or experience to make money online?
No, you don’t need any skills or experience to start making money online. Some of the most basic ways to get started are taking market research surveys, selling your used stuff on marketplaces, offering online tutoring services, or trying gig work. All you need is an internet connection to earn extra money.
Is making money online fast?
Online activities like monetizing a viral social media video or selling products on marketplaces offer a fast route to income. But they lack the potential for sustained revenue that comes from planned ecommerce ventures like starting an online store or creating a brand. In this way, quick gains are possible, but building a steady income stream online usually requires time and effort.
How can I make money online as a beginner?
There are many ways to make money online for beginners. You can earn income in your free time by selling used goods through local classifieds, taking surveys, becoming a brand affiliate, offering transcription services, becoming an online tutor, or selling print-on-demand products.
How can I make $100 a day online?
Many ways to make $100 a day online require upfront investment of time, money, and hustle to reach that level. You can start a profitable business that makes you $100 or even $1,000 a day if you put in the work. In some cases, after your business is running smoothly, you can earn extra money through passive income. Some ideas to consider are:
- Start a dropshipping store
- Run a print-on-demand business
- Create and sell digital goods
- Start an affiliate marketing business
- Find freelance jobs
- Become a digital marketing consultant
- Start a tutoring business
- Sell stock photos
How can I make money online fast?
To find out how to make money fast, choose a method that requires minimal skill, time, and money to get started. These ideas include dropshipping goods, selling data entry services, selling your used stuff through online marketplaces, and participating in market research through survey sites.
How can I make money from home?
If you’re looking for how to make money from home, there are a number of ways, thanks to tools and platforms that let you earn extra cash with an internet connection and a laptop. For beginners, take online surveys, test websites, become a virtual assistant, and sell your used stuff on Facebook Marketplace. Those with more skills and experience can make money online from home if they tutor people online, sell stock photos, become a digital marketing consultant, or even create their own online store.
