how to make money online for beginners

how to make money online for beginners, 28 Easy Way To Income Ideas

Want to make money online but have no experience? From gig work to online surveys, these ideas are perfect for beginners looking to earn extra cash online.

Interested in making money online but not ready to start a full-fledged business? There are a variety of ways to make extra money online—even if you have no skills or experience.

From selling used items to offering tutoring services to side gigs, there are a number of ideas you can consider. Compared to some of the more traditional ways to make money online, the suggestions ahead are low-effort, and you won’t need much technical experience to put them into practice. This article covers how quickly you can start earning extra cash online and the skills or tools you need to get started.

Ready? It’s time to explore how to make money online for beginners, with 28 ideas you can implement today.

28 Ways to Make Money Online for Beginners

Sell Your Stuff Secondhand
Become a Virtual Assistant
Test Websites and Apps
Rent Your Stuff
Look for Side Gigs
Become a Content Marketer
Stock Your Photography Licenses on Photo Websites
Start Freelancing
Resell or Consign Your Clothes
Start a Blog
Become a Pet Sitter
Take Online Surveys
Sell Print-on-Demand Products
Buy and Sell Domain Names
Start a Dropshipping Business
Sell Products Through an Online Marketplace
Become an Online Teacher
Create an Online Course or Workshop
Try Affiliate Marketing
Rent a Room in Your Home
Offer Landscaping Services
Participate in Online Focus Groups
Offer Childcare Services
Sell Handmade Crafts or Art
Do Transcriptions
Become a Social Media Manager
Create and Sell Printables
Online Products Review

Note: Once you start making money online as a beginner, you may want to consider leveling up an online business, such as launching your own ecommerce store. Look for the “🚀 Level Up” tag in the ideas below to help you make even more money online.

1. Sell your stuff secondhand

A man carries a wooden table while a woman carries a basket of pillows through a room.

One way to make quick cash is to sell stuff online. Clean out your storage and sell off what you don’t use, including furniture, toys, appliances, gaming equipment, and home decor. Local and online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and VarageSale are great places to sell your stuff.

Best for: Those looking to make money online quickly.

Getting started: Less than an hour.

Effort level: Low.

Time to first payment: Varies depending on the online sales sites you use to sell your items.

Each marketplace has its own rules and fees. Make sure you understand them before you sign up.

If you’re interested in selling on Facebook Marketplace, read our guide on how to sell on Facebook.

The Shopify Starter plan is ideal for beginners looking to sell online.

Level up: If you enjoy the process, you can start a legitimate reseller business and sell anything from vintage clothing to refurbished electronics, and open your own store on a platform like Shopify.

2. Become a Virtual Assistant

how to make money online for beginners, You can make money online from the comfort of your own home as a virtual assistant (VA). This means you can provide services to clients anywhere in the world. Work can include data entry, content creation, monitoring social media accounts, or calendar management.

Best for: Those looking to make money online from home.

Start time: A few hours.

Effort to get started: Low.

Time to first payment: Depending on the terms negotiated with your client or the online platform where you secure the gig.

What to know:

Some clients look for specific skills in a VA. Be sure to list all of your relevant skills and highlight your strengths to stand out.

Standard career listing sites will have VA job listings, as will freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

Tip: Once you gain more experience, create your own website to advertise your services and get clients directly.

3. Test websites and apps

Two people in aprons, sitting, using their smartphones.

Market research companies often look for customers to test websites, try out products or software like video games or apps, and provide feedback or reviews. Find these types of opportunities on sites like UserTesting.

Best for: Those interested in the latest trends and products.

Getting started: A few minutes to create an account on each site.

Effort level: Low to medium, depending on the format.

Time to first payment: Varies by service and platform.

Some sites require a minimum balance before you can pay out your earnings.

Most market research sites require participants to be 18 or older.

You’ll get an email when a project goes live, but you’ll need to act quickly or someone else will take it.

4. Rent out your stuff

how to make money online for beginners, The sharing economy is upon us. There’s no need to buy things like lawnmowers, small power tools, cars, and household appliances if you only need them for a short period of time. Your home may be full of unused items that others are willing to rent out. Sites like FriendWithA make it possible to rent out these items and earn some extra cash.

Level Up: Are you finding success renting out your stuff? Why not create your own clothing brand, rent out a specific type of product like wedding dresses, or start a tool rental business?

Best for: Making money online quickly and consistently, owning items that are in high demand in the rental market.

Startup Time: An hour or two to upload your products to relevant sites and browse listings.

Effort Level: Low.

First Payment: Usually instant, but check the terms and conditions of each rental platform.

What to Know:

Get insurance or choose a site that offers insurance in case your products are damaged or lost.

Rental platforms typically require renters to be 18 or older and have a rental policy.

5. Look for a side gig

An Uber Eats delivery person rides a bike past a colorful wall.

A classic way to make money without a full-time job, side gigs can help you earn money online by doing a variety of tasks, such as data entry, transcription, or manual labor.

Use platforms like Fiverr or TaskRabbit to create a profile to promote yourself for these types of side gigs. You can earn money by delivering food or driving as a side gig, or by using apps like Uber or Grubhub.

Level up: Once you’ve gained experience and clients through marketplaces, set up a simple ecommerce site to sell specific tasks or do custom work — earning money directly from your clients.

Best for: Those looking to make money online quickly.

Start time: Under an hour.

Start effort: Moderate.

First payment time: Varies depending on the freelance marketplace or app you use.

Some side gig marketplaces require an upfront fee to sign up, so read the fine print carefully.

Review the side gig marketplace’s payment schedule to make sure it works for you.

For administrative side gigs, in most cases, you’ll only need a solid internet connection and a device. Delivery side gigs require some type of motor vehicle and a valid driver’s license, while manual labor side gigs may have physical strength requirements.

6. Become a Content Consumer

In a 2023 episode of the Search Engine Podcast, guest and journalist Taylor Lorenz predicted content consumers as the job of the future.

A growing phenomenon among Gen Z freelancers and internet-savvy job seekers, content consumers are hiring assistants who can help internet personalities and businesses use social media content to stay current on trends, overall news, and the online landscape.

Level Up: Content consumption and content creation can go hand in hand. If you become well-versed in internet and social media trends, you can be an asset to companies looking for content creators—and potentially make more money online.

Best for: Social media savvy internet users.

Start Time: A few hours.

Start: Less.

First Payout Time: Depends on your arrangements with your clients.

What to Know:

Content Consumer is a relatively new job title. Advertise your services on online platforms for freelance work and be sure to detail your offerings, niche (if applicable), and the benefits of hiring you.

7. License your photography on stock photo websites

how to make money online for beginners, A man in a white shirt looks at a large computer screen at a desk.

Have a great eye for photography? A quick way to make money from your work is to license your photos to photography sites like iStock. You can also upload your photos to free stock sites like Burst to build your name as a photographer.

Level up: Once you’ve made a name for yourself in the stock photography business, open your own store on an online platform like Shopify and start selling your photos as prints.

Best for: New creatives looking to get started as professional photographers.

Startup time: Less than an hour (if you already have images).

Effort level: Low.

First payment time: Varies depending on the site you’re using to license your photos.

What to know:

Before you apply, understand what each stock photo site is looking for in terms of content and image quality.

8. Start Freelancing

An increasingly popular home business idea is offering freelance services to clients online. Copywriting, graphic design, translation, and digital marketing are common freelance opportunities currently offered by businesses. Use a freelance marketplace like Upwork, 99Designs, or PeoplePerHour and set up a simple website to showcase your work portfolio.

Level Up: Template your skills and sell them as digital products like PDF guides. This is how Jack Butcher scaled his brand, Visualize Value. With this idea, you can sell the same content over and over again to make consistent money online.

Best for: Beginners with expertise in a specific subject, such as data entry, web development, or freelance writing.

Startup Time: Low (you can start freelancing without a website through a marketplace).

Effort Level: Medium.

First Payment Time: Depends on your payment terms with your clients.

What to know:

Collect examples of your work in a portfolio, references, and customer testimonials. Feature this on your website to showcase your talent.

Know your value and worth accordingly.

A portfolio of your work and an account on a freelance marketplace are required.

9. Resell or consign your clothes

Two women sorting through logs at a vintage store.

Selling your unwanted clothes and accessories is a popular way to make quick cash and declutter at the same time.

Mobile apps like Depop, Poshmark, and Craigslist offer easy ways to upload photos and clothing descriptions without the need to create a brand or website. Sell your products only to local buyers or offer to ship.

Level up: Upgrade to sell through marketplaces or start your own online thrift or vintage clothing store.

Best for: Fashion trendsetters with large closets.

Startup Time: Minimal—just shoot, post, and describe each item.

Effort Level: Low to get started (requires minimal ongoing effort to contact potential buyers and ship items as needed).

First Payment Time: Depends on the platform you use

Upload your products to multiple sites to increase your chances of selling.

Most selling apps take a cut of your profits or charge a fee for each listing.

10. Start a blog

Blogging has long been a favorite of digital entrepreneurs like Ryan Robinson and Matty James. Running a blog allows you to share your thoughts, skills, and experiences on topics you’re passionate about.

With platforms like WordPress, you can start a blog with zero technical skills. Then monetize it by selling ads, sponsored content, or your own products and services.

Best for: Writers and enthusiasts with a passion for a specific topic.

Startup time: A few hours to set up, requires ongoing effort to maintain and grow.

Effort level: Medium to high.

Time to first payment: Several months, as it takes time to build traffic and a readership.

Publishing high-quality content regularly is key to growing a blog. Create a publishing schedule and stick to it.

Focus on a specific niche rather than a broad topic to attract a dedicated audience.

11. Become a pet sitter

Both humans and dogs have stood in the rain wearing yellow raincoats.

With the pandemic pet boom and subsequent return to the office, there are plenty of lonely dogs and cats looking for companionship. Sites like Rover help connect pet owners with pet sitters, dog walkers, and cat sitters (that’s you!)

Level Up: Start your own pet business to make more money online by setting up a website and selling your services and pet-related products.

Best for: Pet lovers who don’t want the commitment of ownership.

Getting Started: One hour to set up your account.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult, depending on the number of clients you take on.

First Payment Time: Varies depending on the app or service you use.

Some pet sites, like Rover, include insurance. Be sure to look into any business insurance you may need if you’re building your own pet sitting empire.

This is a great business idea for teen and child entrepreneurs to start with the help of their parents.

12. Take Online Surveys

One of the fastest ways for beginners to make money online is by completing online surveys. There are many survey sites and mobile apps that pay users to provide feedback on everything from their shopping behavior to how they feel about certain product categories. These surveys help brands make business decisions or develop new products.

Best for: Those with spare time (and lots of feedback) who want to make money online quickly.

Getting started: A few minutes.

Effort to get started: Low.

Time to first payment: Depends on the survey platform’s payment structure.

Many survey sites pay in points, and you have to earn a certain amount before you can redeem them.

Completing online surveys is not a get-rich-quick scheme, as hourly rates fall below minimum wage. Don’t expect this idea to be a reliable or sustainable source of income. Rather, it could provide a few extra bucks to supplement other sources of income.

13. Sell Print-on-Demand Products

A person walks with a tote bag and green socks, visible from the waist down, on a wet sidewalk.

Thanks to a manufacturing method called Print on Demand (POD), artists and makers can customize white label products with their own designs, without holding or shipping them. When a customer places an order through your store, your chosen print-on-demand company will print your design on a product, fulfill the order, and ship it to the customer.

POD options include t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, or fan merchandise. This model allows you to quickly create customized products, making it a low-risk, low-investment way to earn extra income.

Best for: Beginner creatives looking to make money online from their craft, budding influencers looking to build a fan following.

Start time: A few hours to set up an ecommerce platform and print-on-demand integration.

Effort level: Easy to get started if you already have designs to upload (medium to easy to maintain).

Time to first payment: After you sell a product, expect a wait period of about five days to receive funds on most platforms.

After you set up a store, browse several print-on-demand suppliers to compare prices, quality, and product lineups.

Most ecommerce platforms require you to be at least 18 years old.

Requirements vary by country and region, but some products may require you to have a license, permit, or certificate.

14. Buy and sell domain names

how to make money online for beginners, Choosing a memorable domain name for a business website is an important part of branding practice. Many new brands look for the perfect domain name to represent their business and improve discoverability.

You can watch trends and buy related domain names on sites like Shopify, Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Hover. To make the most of this idea, buy several domains and sell each for a small profit.

Best for: Those who have some money to invest upfront.

Get started: Less than an hour.

Effort level: Minimal.

Time to first payment: Varies depending on the payment method accepted.

Buying and selling domain names isn’t always a quick way to make money. You can sit on a domain for months or even years before you see a return.

Understand the law on trademarked names.

15. Start a dropshipping business

Open a package with brown paper packaging material.

Another low-cost ecommerce business model is dropshipping, where products are shipped directly from the seller or manufacturer to the customer.

This is a popular way for beginners to make money online, since the seller doesn’t handle inventory or shipping — you’re just responsible for driving traffic and customer service.

Best for: Beginners looking to test the waters with their own ecommerce store.

Start time: A few hours to set up a store and source vendors.

Effort level: Medium to start and grow the business, low effort to maintain.

First payment time: After you sell a product, expect a wait time of about five days to receive funds on most platforms.

You can create a Shopify store and test it out with a free trial.

AliExpress and other dropshipping providers are great places to start sourcing products.

Most ecommerce platforms require you to be at least 18 years old.

Requirements vary by country and region, but some products may require you to have a license, permit, or certification.

Tip: Because of their flexibility, dropshippers can follow trends and sell trending products. Keep tabs on trending topics on social media platforms like TikTok.

16. Sell products through online marketplaces

Due to their built-in audience search for specific products, online marketplaces are often the launching point for many now-successful brands. 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.

You can get up and running quickly because sellers have less pressure to drive traffic to their own website or build a strong brand.

Level Up: Take your online business to the next level by creating your own store. You can even sell products on both Etsy and Shopify, syncing inventory with an app like Etsy Marketplace Integration.

Best for: Those who need to sell vintage or handmade items.

Startup time: An hour or two to set up your account and add products.

Effort level: Depends on your product and business model.

Time to first payment: Anywhere from the day after you make a sale to 14 days, depending on the marketplace.

Follow Etsy’s guidelines about what you can sell and acceptable use of the platform.

You must comply with Amazon’s seller policies to stay in good standing.

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for most marketplaces.

Sellers ages 13 to 18 can use Etsy with the supervision of a parent or guardian.

17. Become an online tutor

how to make money online for beginners, A child participating in a video call with a woman on a laptop screen with plants in the background.

If you’re knowledgeable in subjects like biology, math, or languages, you can make money tutoring online. With sites like TutorMe and Fiverr, you can easily find students who need your help. Or set up a simple website and use social media and peer recommendations to drive traffic and signups.

Level up: If you find success with tutoring, try selling your own online courses through a dedicated ecommerce store.

Best for: Aspiring educators looking for experience before creating online courses.

Getting started: A few hours to set up a website or an account on a tutoring platform.

Effort level: Moderate to start. The ongoing effort level depends on how many students you take on.

First payment time: Depends on how you bill your students.

Most freelance sites require proof that you’re an expert in the subject.

Expect transaction fees on tutoring platforms.

You’ll need to have the required subject knowledge and any licenses or diplomas for each platform and subject.

18. Create an online course or workshop

Have a specific set of skills you want to share with the world? Share them online with a course or workshop. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare make it easy to create and market educational content to a global audience. Whether it’s a photography or coding course, people are hungry for knowledge in a variety of fields.

Best for: People with specialized knowledge or skills in a specific area.

Start time: A few hours to weeks, depending on the length and content of the course.

Effort level: High to create the course, low to medium to maintain.

Time to first payment: Varies by platform, usually within a month of the course being sold.

Creating a great course is only half the battle—you have to market it properly. Use social media, email marketing, and partnerships with other educators to spread the word.

19. Try affiliate marketing

A person scrolls through Instagram on a smartphone at a table with a cup of coffee and a notebook.

Here’s the rundown on affiliate marketing: You can sign up for a brand’s affiliate marketing program, which allows you to share their unique affiliate links to promote their products on your site or social media accounts.

When someone buys a product after clicking on your affiliate link, you’ll receive credit for the referral, along with a commission. A solid content marketing strategy around your affiliate links will help you drive visits, clicks, and purchases—and earn passive income.

Best for: Anyone with an online audience.

Time to get started: A few hours.

Effort level: Moderate to start, very low to maintain.

First payment time: Varies depending on the success of the affiliate links and the payment terms you set with the brands.

Disclaimers are required by the Federal Trade Commission and most reputable affiliate programs. You must let your audience know if you are being paid to promote a product.

You will need your own website, blog, or social media account where you can promote the product.

Get paid for the 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

20. Rent out a room in your home

Using online listing services and apartment rental sites, you can advertise a space in your home for rent. Whether you sublet a spare room in your rental apartment or rent out a garage or basement apartment in your home, you can make money online without any special skills or experience.

Depending on what you have available (and are willing to manage), you can rent out space for a variety of recurring uses, such as an artist’s studio or band practice space.

Best for: Property owners or renters looking to save money on living expenses.

Start-up time: Depends on whether your space requires upgrades to rent.

Start-up effort: Depends on the condition of the space, including modest efforts to maintain the space and manage tenant relations.

First payment: Usually at the beginning of the rental agreement term.

Renting out a space in your home requires you to act as both landlord and superintendent when you’re just starting out. This means you’ll be responsible for the safety and repairs of the space or unit.

Check your home insurance and any tax implications before you get started. You’ll also need to meet local requirements for rental units.

Consider taking a more hands-on approach by listing your space on a short-term accommodation site like Airbnb.

21. Offer landscaping services

A man in a plaid shirt trims bushes with a hedge trimmer.

While this isn’t strictly an online job, you can make money online by creating an online store or using an online platform to advertise and sell your landscaping services.

Target your local community by running ads on social media platforms or listing on local buy-and-sell websites. Offer services like gardening, mowing, and other general outdoor chores.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy working with their hands.

Start time: A few hours.

Effort to get started: Low.

Time to first payment: Depends on your arrangements with your clients.

This is a great business idea for teens to save money for college. Run a small landscaping service during the summer months when school is out.

You will likely need tools like gardening tools or lawnmowers.

22. Participate in online focus groups

Businesses conduct focus groups to get more in-depth feedback on their products and services. These sessions are usually paid for more than standard surveys and can be done online via video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet. Websites like User Interviews, Respondents, and FocusGroups.org are great places to start looking for focus groups.

Best for: Those who want to share their opinions in a group setting.

Getting started: A few minutes to sign up for a focus group platform.

Effort level: Low to moderate.

First payment: Usually within a week or two after the focus group session.

Focus groups often require you to complete a pre-screening survey to see if you fit the demographic and psychographic criteria. These surveys can be detailed and take time to complete.

23. Offer childcare services

A child in a polka dot dress sits on a blanket and reaches for a book.

Babysitting is another money-making idea that isn’t strictly online. However, you can use online tools to advertise your services, book clients, and share testimonials.

While a license and/or certification are required to run a formal childcare business, in most cases you can get hired as an occasional babysitter to earn extra money.

Best for: Aspiring educators, students, and young adults.

Start time: An hour or more.

Effort to get started: Low.

First payment: Usually immediately after each childcare session.

Training like a formal babysitting course and a first aid certificate will help you market yourself as a trusted childcare provider.

24. Sell handmade crafts or art

Another idea that’s not just online is to create or make art for sale. You can sell handmade goods through handmade platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or even create your own Shopify store. From knits to paintings and jewelry, your possibilities are endless.

Best for: Creative people with a hobby they can monetize.

Getting started: A few hours to set up a store and list items.

Effort level: Moderate.

Time to first payment: Varies depending on the platform and sales

Brush up on your photography skills, as high-quality photos are crucial for selling handmade goods online.

Share the story behind your work so it can provide some emotional value. Describe your creative process, the materials you use, and the inspiration behind a piece to connect with potential buyers on a personal level.

Don’t forget about packaging! Pack your products securely so they don’t get damaged in transit. Add a little flair (like a handwritten note) to your packages to create a uniquely branded experience.

25. Transcription

A woman with headphones sits on the floor working on a laptop.

There are several sites that offer part-time jobs for transcribers. Transcription services like Rev or freelance sites like Upwork are great places to start.

Some jobs may require a certain level of typing speed or language proficiency. While payouts vary depending on the job and typing speed, you can earn an average of $20 per hour transcribing audio and video.

Best for: Those with fast typing speed, attention to detail, and a good grasp of the language of the source material.

Start time: An hour or more.

Effort to get started: Less.

Time to first payment: Depends on the site or client’s payment terms.

What to know:

Most transcription roles are gig work, meaning you get paid per piece or per hour for the content you transcribe.

26. Become a Social Media Manager

Businesses of all sizes need help managing their social media accounts today. If you can create engaging content and build a social media following, you can offer social media management services. There are plenty of job opportunities for beginners on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

Best for: Social media enthusiasts with a good understanding of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Startup time: A few hours to set up a profile and start communicating with potential clients.

Effort level: Medium to high.

Time to first payment: Varies depending on the client’s payment terms.

Being a social media manager means staying on top of trends and changes. Platforms frequently update their algorithms and features, and different posts go viral every day. If you can adapt quickly to these changes, you can improve engagement metrics for your clients.

Having analytics skills is helpful as a social media manager. Understand metrics like engagement rate, reach, impressions, and conversion rate so you can show clients the ROI of your strategy.

Develop communication skills to build trust with clients and win them over for long-term contracts.

27. Create and sell printables

If you have design skills, selling printables can be a money-maker for beginners. Printables are digital files that customers download and print. Some examples of printables include planners, templates, party decorations, worksheets, and coloring books. You can sell printables on Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, or on your own website.

Best for: Creatives with basic design skills.

Startup time: A few hours to create and list printables.

Effort level: Low to medium.

First payment time: Varies by platform and sales.

What to know:

Focusing on a niche can help you generate more sales. More relevant and useful printables can stand out in a crowded market.

Make your printables customizable so customers can customize them to suit their needs.

Show mockups on your product pages so customers can see what the printable will look like after purchasing it.

28. Review products online

Write detailed, honest reviews about a company’s products and make money online. Platforms like Influenster, Smiley360, and Review Stream will pay you to review products you already use or send you new ones for free.

Best for: People who try new products and enjoy writing reviews.

Getting started: A few minutes to sign up for a review platform.

Effort level: Low.

First payment time: Varies by platform, but often within a few weeks of submitting a review.

Platforms prioritize quality and honest reviews. So be sure to provide thorough, unbiased, and detailed feedback to stay credible (and make more money).

There may be specific guidelines for submitting reviews, such as word count, photo requirements, and format. Pay attention to these guidelines to ensure you get published.

Tip: Many of the ideas above will help you make extra money with just a few hours of startup time. Some may require basic skills or access to specific online platforms. If you’re looking for more advanced money-making ideas, like selling online courses or becoming a digital marketing consultant, check out our guide to how to make money online.

Start Making Money Online Today—No Experience Required

Ready to make money online as a beginner? You're now armed with plenty of ideas to get you started. Whether you're looking for a data entry role or exploring the world of entrepreneurship by opening an online store, there's an opportunity for every inspiration.

how to make money online for beginners, 28 Easy Way To Income Ideas

how to make money online for beginners