Making money online | How can I earn real money online?

online money-making sites

With the increasing accessibility of the Internet, the use of online platforms in Bangladesh has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with millions of people using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube etc.

According to DataReportal, as of January 2023, there are 44.7 million online platform/media users in Bangladesh. Facebook is the most popular online media platform in Bangladesh, with over 40 million users. It follows YouTube, which has more than 25 million users, and WhatsApp, which has more than 20 million users. Other popular online platforms in Bangladesh include Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. They are the most used online media platforms around the world.

An online platform refers to a digital platform that enables individuals to connect, communicate and share various types of content such as text, images and videos to a wide audience. It serves as a virtual space where people can communicate, express themselves and engage in social, cultural and professional interactions.

Online platforms typically facilitate user-generated content and provide features that encourage collaboration and information dissemination. These platforms have become an integral part of modern society, increasing connectivity, promoting information exchange and influencing public discourse worldwide.

A prosperous Bangladesh means more people online

The use of online platforms in Bangladesh is mainly driven by the younger generation, with a large number of people between the ages of 18 and 34 using online platforms regularly. It is also popular among urban dwellers, people living in towns and cities are more likely to use online platforms than those living in rural areas.

While rural residents are also slowly coming under the umbrella of internet connectivity, 46% of rural households have internet access as per the Digital Literacy Index (DLI) survey conducted by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) in 2020.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics' 2020 and 2022 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) revealed that the average monthly income increased from Tk 3,940 in 2016 to Tk 7,614 in 2022. During this period, the residents of the city saw a significant increase in their monthly income Per capita income increased from Rs 5,752 to Rs 10,951, while that of rural residents increased from Rs 3,261 to Rs 6,091.

Although no research has proven this, the growing trend of online business platforms may contribute to increased revenue over time, among other factors.

There are notable examples of impressive income earned from online platforms; US Texas kid Ryan Kazi has 35 million YouTube subscribers while Bangladesh's own Tawheed Afridi has also achieved phenomenal success earning tens of thousands of dollars from YouTube. There are countless examples that inspire the youth.

However, it is important to note that while online platforms can be a viable source of income in Bangladesh, it is not without its challenges. Competition is high, and standing out in a crowded market can be difficult.

There are also concerns about the spread of fake news and misinformation on online platforms. Additionally, online platform algorithms can change frequently, making it difficult for content creators and businesses to maintain their visibility on these platforms.

Individuals who effectively integrate knowledge, skills and principles are more likely to succeed in life and livelihood — eLearning Hub, a centralized online platform that provides educational content and resources, can play an important role in building such skills.

These hubs offer flexible, self-paced courses, convenient digital access to educational materials, distance training programs, tutorials and interactive discussion forums. They also offer certification options.

A prime example is a free online platform called Muktpath, a comprehensive online platform developed by the government's a2i program, that caters to the diverse educational needs of individuals in Bangladesh. It offers various courses in Computer Programming, Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, English Language, Soft Skill Development and many more. It serves as a hub where students can enroll in courses, access learning resources and participate in interactive sessions, learn from video lectures, online quizzes and assignments. It provides certificate after completion.

Through the integration of the platform's e-learning system, students can engage in self-paced learning, interactive assessment and collaborative discussion, enabling students to conveniently access educational or training content anytime, anywhere, increasing flexibility and convenience.

Since its inception, Muktpath has reached approximately 2.14 million individuals, offering more than 260 courses, obtaining 2.6 million professional certifications.

success story

25-year-old Jewel Rana has set up a digital center in Gazipur using skills acquired from several open-text courses. Courses like graphic design, troubleshooting, video editing, MS Excel, etc. initially helped him build the courage to go ahead with a start-up based on these skills.

“Now I earn 10-15 thousand rupees a month. I believe the online training I got from various sources, including Muktapath, helped me become an entrepreneur,” said Rana.

Shiuli Akhter (40) and her husband initially started raising cows as a hobby alongside their grocery business. However, they faced challenges such as disease, improper feed management and inadequate housing, resulting in unprofitable livestock sales.

After enrolling in the Youth Development Department's Secrets of Modern Fattening course at Muktapath, they solved these problems and increased the profitability of their cattle rearing efforts.

“By enrolling in this online course, we got the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on cow husbandry from our own home, completely free of charge.

As a result, we have witnessed increased profitability in our cattle rearing efforts compared to our previous practices.”

According to her, since joining the course in 2019, she earns around Rs 2 lakh per year which helps Shiuli and her family maintain a decent lifestyle.

In 2020, as the Covid-19 outbreak intensified, the Government of Bangladesh launched a Covid-19 awareness course through a2i's Muktpath. Course content has been developed with the help of health departments, local hospitals and international health experts.

Dr. Nipah, a 41-year-old healthcare professional at Teknaf Union Health Complex, demonstrated the impact of the training by completing the course, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate risks and effectively treat Covid-19 patients.

His dedication led to recognition through certificates and awards, enhancing his career. Expressing gratitude, Dr. Nipa said, “This course on Covid-19 was the country's first comprehensive program on the pandemic. This has greatly benefited both the general public and healthcare professionals."

Overall, the online platform has opened up a huge opportunity for income growth in Bangladesh, especially for people with creativity, technical know-how and a strong online media presence. Success is within easy reach with adequate skills and training, diligence, persistence and extensive familiarity with the platform.

Develop online skills

Along with this, a minimum level of efficiency needs to be created to allow this platform and others to become more effective as a strong source of livelihood.

To use online platforms as a viable source of income in Bangladesh, individuals need to have a good level of digital literacy, including skills in using computers, smartphones and online platforms.

Also, some technical skills such as photography, video production, graphic design and copywriting can play an important role in this domain.

Individuals should be able to create engaging and relevant content that resonates with their audience. Also a good understanding of various online platforms, their features and how they work is a must for everyone. This includes knowledge of algorithms, hashtags and trends.

These approaches will help a prospective online businessperson better understand business principles such as financial management, customer service, inventory management, and marketing and advertising principles including target audience analysis, promotional strategies, branding, and more.

Moreover, a person needs to adhere to certain principles to achieve success with online platform business ventures. Being authentic and transparent with the audience can help build trust and credibility. If individuals follow these principles, they can get the best results using online platforms.