E-commerce and Retail

Beginner’s Guide to Making Money Online: 28 Simple Ideas for 2025

Interested in making money online but not ready to start a full-fledged business? There are several inroads to making extra money on the internet—even if you have no skills or experience.

From side gigs to selling used stuff to offering tutoring services, there are many ideas you can consider. Compared to some of the conventional ways of making money online, the recommendations ahead are lower effort, and you won’t need as much technical experience to accomplish them. This article covers how fast you can begin to earn extra cash online and the skills or tools required to get started.

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

28 ways to make money online for beginners

  1. Sell your stuff secondhand
  2. Become a virtual assistant
  3. Test websites and apps
  4. Rent your belongings
  5. Look for side gigs
  6. Become a content consumer
  7. License your photography to stock photo websites
  8. Start freelancing
  9. Resell or consign your clothing
  10. Start a blog
  11. Become a pet sitter
  12. Take online surveys
  13. Sell print-on-demand products
  14. Buy and sell domain names
  15. Start a dropshipping business
  16. Sell products through online marketplaces
  17. Become an online tutor
  18. Create an online course or workshop
  19. Try affiliate marketing
  20. Rent a room in your home
  21. Offer landscaping services
  22. Participate in online focus groups
  23. Offer child care services
  24. Sell handmade crafts or art
  25. Do transcriptions
  26. Become a social media manager
  27. Create and sell printables
  28. Review products online

✏️ Note: Once you start to earn money online as a beginner, you can consider leveling up to an online business, like 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

One of the quickest ways to earn cash fast is selling stuff online. Clean out your storage and sell anything you don’t use, including furniture, toys, tools, gaming equipment, and home décor. 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.
Startup time: Less than an hour.
Effort level: Low.
Time to first payment: Varies, depending on the online selling sites you’re using to sell your items.

What to know:

  • 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 dip their toes into selling online.

🚀 Level up: If you enjoy this 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

You can make money online from the comfort of your own home by becoming a virtual assistant (VA). This means you can provide services to clients in any part of the world. Tasks may include data entry, content creation, monitoring social media accounts, or managing calendars.

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

Startup time: A few hours.
Effort to start: Low.
Time to first payment: Depends on the terms negotiated with your client or the online platform where you secured the gig.

What to know:

  • Some clients are looking for specific skills in a VA. Be sure to list all 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 get more experience, create your own website to advertise your services and gain clients directly.

3. Test websites and apps

Market research companies often are looking for consumers to test websites, try products or software like video games or apps, and provide feedback or reviews. Find opportunities like this on sites like UserTesting.

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

What to know:

  • Some sites require a minimum balance before they pay out your earnings.
  • Most market research sites require participants to be 18 years of age or older.
  • You’ll receive an email when a project goes live, but you have to act fast or someone else will take it.

4. Rent your belongings

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 while. Your house could be filled with underused things that others would like to rent. Sites like FriendWithA make it possible to rent products like this and earn extra cash.

🚀 Level up: Finding success with renting your belongings? Why not build your own clothing brand, rent a specific type of product like wedding dresses, or start a tool rental business?

Best for: Making money online quickly and consistently, owners of items in high demand in the rental market.
Startup time: An hour or two to upload your products to relevant sites and to browse listings.
Effort level: Low.
First payout: Usually immediately, but check the terms of each rental platform.

What to know:

  • Get insurance or choose a site that offers insurance on your products in case they become damaged or lost.
  • Rental platforms usually require both renters and rentees to be 18 years of age or over.

5. Look for side gigs

The classic way to earn money while keeping a full-time job, side gigs can help you earn money online through a variety of tasks, such as data entry, transcription, or manual labor. Use platforms like Fiverr or TaskRabbit to create profiles promoting yourself for side gigs like these.

Consider becoming a pet sitter to earn some extra cash. You can offer your services through platforms like Rover or Wag to connect with pet owners in need of care for their furry friends.

🚀 Level up: Once you establish yourself as a reliable pet sitter, consider offering additional services such as dog walking, grooming, or even pet training to increase your earning potential.

Best for: Animal lovers with some free time.
Startup time: Less than an hour to set up your profile on a pet sitting platform.
Effort to start: Low to medium, depending on the services you offer.
Time to first payment: Varies based on the frequency of bookings and services provided.

What to know:

  • Make sure to create a detailed profile highlighting your experience with pets and any special skills or certifications you may have.
  • Consider offering additional services to attract more clients and stand out from other pet sitters in your area.
  • Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the animals in your care.

Connect with pet owners through platforms like Rover to offer pet sitting, dog walking, and cat visits. Take it a step further by starting your own pet business online, selling services and pet-related goods. This is ideal for pet lovers who want to earn extra income without the commitment of pet ownership. Setting up an account takes about an hour, and the effort level varies depending on the number of clients you take on. The time to receive your first payment may vary depending on the platform you use. Become an online tutor and share your knowledge with students in need of help. Platforms like TutorMe and Fiverr make it easy to find students, or you can set up your own website and use social media to attract clients. If you find success with tutoring, consider creating and selling your own online courses through platforms like Udemy or Teachable. This is a great option for aspiring educators or those looking to gain experience before creating their own courses. Startup time is minimal, and ongoing effort depends on the number of students you take on. Expect to receive payment once you start tutoring or selling courses. Just make sure to have proof of your skills, be aware of transaction fees, and hold any necessary licenses or diplomas required by the platform.

Providing child care services is a lucrative opportunity that can be advertised online. While formal child care businesses require licenses and certifications, you can still offer babysitting services on a part-time basis to earn extra income.

Best for: Those interested in childcare, such as aspiring educators, students, and youth.
Startup time: Approximately an hour.
Effort to start: Low.
Time to first payment: Typically immediately after each child care session.

What to know:

  • Consider taking a formal babysitter’s course and obtaining first aid certification to enhance your credibility as a child care provider.

24. Sell handmade crafts or art

Crafting or creating art for sale is another idea that’s not only online. You can sell handmade goods through platforms like Etsy, Handmade at Amazon, or even create your own Shopify store. From knitted items to paintings and jewelry, your possibilities are endless. 

Best for: Creative folks with a hobby they can monetize.
Startup time: A few hours to set up a store and list items.
Effort level: Medium.
Time to first payment: Varies depending on the platform and sales.

What to know:

  • Improve your photography skills to showcase your handmade products effectively online.
  • Share the story behind your creations to establish a personal connection with potential buyers.
  • Pay attention to packaging to ensure safe delivery of your products to customers.

25. Do transcriptions 

Opportunities for part-time transcription work can be found on websites like Rev and freelance platforms like Upwork. Transcription jobs may require fast typing skills and language proficiency, with average earnings of around $20 per hour for transcribing audio and video content.

Best for: Individuals with fast typing speed, attention to detail, and language proficiency.
Startup time: Approximately an hour.
Effort to start: Low.
Time to first payment: Depends on the payment terms of the site or client.

What to know:

  • Most transcription roles are gig-based, with payment per piece or per transcribed hour.

26. Become a social media manager

Businesses require assistance in managing their social media accounts, creating content, and growing their online presence. If you have social media expertise, you can offer your services as a social media manager on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

Best for: Social media enthusiasts familiar with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Startup time: A few hours to set up profiles and reach out to potential clients.
Effort level: Medium to high.
Time to first payment: Varies based on client payment terms.

What to know:

  • Stay updated on social media trends and platform changes to optimize client engagement.
  • Develop analytical skills to measure and communicate the impact of your social media strategies.
  • Build strong communication skills to establish trust with clients and secure long-term contracts.

27. Create and sell printables

If you have a flair for design, creating and selling printables can be a profitable venture. Printables are digital files that customers can download and print themselves, such as planners, templates, and worksheets. You can sell printables on platforms like Etsy and Teachers Pay Teachers.

Best for: Creative individuals with basic design skills.
Startup time: A few hours to create and list printables.
Effort level: Low to medium.
Time to first payment: Varies based on platform and sales.

What to know:

  • Focusing on a specific niche can enhance your sales and differentiate your products in the market.
  • Offer customizable printables to cater to individual customer needs.
  • Include mockups on product pages to showcase the final appearance of the printable.

28. Review products online 

Writing detailed and honest reviews about products can earn you money online. Platforms like Influenster and Review Stream pay for reviews of products you use or receive for free.

Best for: Individuals who enjoy testing and reviewing products.
Startup time: A few minutes to sign up on review platforms.
Effort level: Low.
Time to first payment: Varies, but typically within a few weeks of submitting reviews.

What to know:

  • Provide thorough, unbiased, and detailed reviews to maintain credibility and increase earnings.
  • Follow platform guidelines for submitting reviews, such as word count and formatting requirements.

💡 Tip: Start making money online today with these beginner-friendly ideas that require minimal experience and can be implemented in just a few hours. For more advanced money-making strategies, such as online course creation or digital marketing consulting, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to make money online.

Start making money online today—no experience required

Embark on your online money-making journey as a beginner with these diverse opportunities. Whether you choose data entry tasks or venture into entrepreneurship by launching an online store, there’s a path to financial success for everyone.

How to make money online for beginners FAQ

How can a complete beginner make money online?

If you’re new to making money online, consider your skills, availability, and desired timeline for earning income.

Ways to Make Money Online for Beginners

There are various ways for beginners to make money online, even if you have no prior experience. Some of these opportunities include:

  • Selling items on Facebook Marketplace
  • Finding gigs on online platforms
  • Taking online surveys
  • Offering online tutoring or selling courses
  • Doing data entry work
  • Earning ad revenue from a YouTube channel
  • Creating your own ecommerce store for print on demand products

Can You Make $100 a Day Online?

Yes, it is possible to make $100 per day online depending on the method you choose, your skills, and the time you invest. Some ways to achieve this income goal include:

  • Affiliate marketing
  • Earning ad revenue from a YouTube channel
  • Data entry roles
  • Freelancing and consulting
  • Creating social media content
  • Dropshipping
  • Brand deals
  • Developing and selling online courses

How Can I Make Money Online Fast with No Experience?

If you’re looking to make money online quickly without any experience, consider starting with simple ideas that require minimal time and effort. You can begin earning money within hours by exploring freelance opportunities such as data entry, transcription, and virtual assistant roles. Another quick way to make money online as a beginner is by selling used items on local online marketplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to make a full-time income online?

Yes, many people make a full-time income through various online opportunities such as freelancing, e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and online courses.

2. How can I avoid online scams while trying to make money online?

To avoid online scams, research any opportunity thoroughly, read reviews, and never pay money upfront for a job or business opportunity.

3. Can I start an online business with no money?

Yes, you can start an online business with little to no money by utilizing free platforms, such as social media, and gradually reinvesting profits into your business.

4. Are online surveys a reliable way to make money?

Online surveys can provide some extra income, but they are not a consistent or high-paying source of revenue. It’s best to explore other options for more significant earnings.

5. How can I scale my online income over time?

To scale your online income, focus on building your skills, expanding your network, diversifying your income streams, and consistently delivering high-quality work or products.

text to make it sound more formal:

Please kindly provide a written response to the inquiry by the end of the business day.

See also  Mastering CPA Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide to Cost-Per-Action Affiliate Marketing (2024)

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button