It is possible to legitimately make money on the internet if you are willing to put the time and effort into that business. Some jobs, such as answering surveys or trying websites, allow you to earn no more than a few euros a month. Others, such as publishing a niche website or writing articles as a freelance, can give you an income similar to full-time jobs.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Complete Online Chores
Step 1. Take surveys
You can earn € 50-100 per month in cash or products by answering online surveys. Find sites that offer this service by searching for "paid survey sites". Sign up for more sites to increase your chances of being chosen for the best-paying surveys. Register with an e-mail address and check your inbox often to respond quickly to any job offers.
- Most surveys pay between 1 and 3 euros and take around 45 minutes to complete.
- You may be paid with gift cards, free products, or the ability to enter a prize draw.
- Never pay to take a survey.
- Learn about the site's privacy policies to make sure it can't sell your personal information.
Step 2. Test the websites
By taking a remote use test, you will receive compensation for visiting a site and offering your opinion to the owner. These tests last around 15 minutes and can earn you up to € 10. To perform them, you will need to follow the instructions on the customer's website and register during the operation. For example, you may be asked to choose and buy an item on a seller's website.
- You need a computer with a microphone, an up-to-date web browser, and a high-speed internet connection.
- Services that offer a fee for testing websites include User Testing, WhatUsersDo, UserLytics, UserFeel, and YouEye.
Step 3. Teach students
Many families prefer the flexibility offered by an online tutor. Depending on your academic background, you might be helping a child with homework or teaching college students. You must have a computer and a high speed internet connection. Experience required varies by company. Some require "a lot of experience", while others require specific academic preparation. Almost all of them, however, only hire graduates.
- Some companies will assign you students, while others will post your profile on their site and let customers choose you.
- You can earn between € 9 and € 30 per hour, depending on your academic background and the subject you teach.
- Sites that hire elementary tutors include Tutor.com, HomeworkHelp.com, Eduwizards, Aim4a, and Brainfuse.
- Kaplan hires higher level tutors.
Method 2 of 4: Create a Niche Website
Step 1. Learn what are the characteristics of an original and quality site
First, it has to focus on specific, very narrow information. The content must be relevant, useful and interesting for the audience. The most successful niche websites attract 1000 to 10,000 visitors each month. You will have to create content based on a particular keyword and you will earn thanks to Google AdSense or through affiliate links.
Step 2. Find a profitable niche
Starting with your interests, write down any original ideas that come to mind. Think about the topics people might be looking for on the internet. Ideas can include passions (such as surfing or body building), fears (such as spiders or speaking in front of an audience), and everyday problems (such as paying off debts). Search for a few keywords to verify that the topic is of common interest. Find out if you can buy a domain name that is 100% identical to the keyword.
Use a specific tool to search for keywords
Step 3. Create the site
Choose a platform that allows you to create websites, such as WordPress, Joomla or Drupal. Then, choose a domain name and web hosting service for the site. The domain name will be your address on the web. Web hosting is the service that connects your site to the internet. When you have completed these steps, go to your hosting account control panel and install your website platform. Design the site by choosing and installing a theme.
The most popular web hosting companies include Aruba, Bluehost, and WPEngine
Step 4. Develop the site content
Create compelling content that helps you get better search engine rankings. Keyword research can help you find out which topics are trending the most. Write content on these topics to improve your search engine rankings.
Use a tool like Market Samurai to do keyword research
Step 5. Monetize your site
To do this, you can choose from a few different strategies. You can place advertisements on the website and get paid every time a user clicks on them. Alternatively, you can promote products, yours or someone else's, and earn when a user buys them.
- With Google AdSense you will need to install a few lines of code on your site, which allow advertisements to appear. You will be paid every time a visitor clicks on one of the ads.
- You can also sell advertising space on your website.
- By joining an affiliate program, you will be promoting products that suit your audience. A link or banner will be displayed on the site that will advertise those products. If users click on them and complete a purchase, you will receive a commission.
Method 3 of 4: Writing Freelance Articles
Step 1. Learn the principles of good writing
As a freelance writer, many of your works will be published on the internet. The principles of writing on the web are slightly different from those of print: the contents must still be of high quality and well written, but the presentation must be modified, according to the habits of users who read articles online.
- Due to the low resolution of online text, readers have a tendency to scroll through paragraphs quickly and rarely read an article from start to finish. Make your articles easy to read by breaking up the text with descriptive titles and bulleted lists.
- Get to the point by using the inverted pyramid style. Write the conclusion first and then offer examples that support your theory.
- Write effective articles using simple, concise language. The level should be suitable for a middle school boy. Eliminate unnecessary or confusing words.
- Include keywords and phrases that improve the ranking of the article in search engines.
Step 2. Consider your area of expertise
By reflecting on your previous experiences, you will realize that you have more knowledge to write about than you think. Start by listing three characteristics that define you, such as your profession, your favorite hobby, and a trait of your personality. Then, continue with three things that inspire you, such as religion, education, and charity. Finally, write down three dreams, such as getting married, traveling, or spending more time with your children. These three lists should give you a lot of ideas about the topics you can write about.
Step 3. Find a job
At first, you may have to agree to write an article on a topic that you don't find very interesting. Keep an open mind and be willing to take on jobs you don't like very much. As you continue to write, you will not only learn about other fields, but you will also develop your reputation. Over time, you can be more selective in your decisions.
Step 4. Write to the companies you want to work for
If you've identified a client you want to write for, send them some ideas for articles. Write ideas that show not only your ability, but also your enthusiasm for the topic. First, read the publication you are writing to, to familiarize yourself with their content. If possible, locate the specific section and submit your idea to the most appropriate publisher. Also include a brief summary explaining who you are.
Step 5. Get references
At the beginning of your freelance writing career it will be difficult to find work without having published any articles. However, if you are willing to work for free, you will be able to get some quality publications. For starters, you can post your content on a personal blog or website. You can also write guest posts on someone else's blog. Finally, you can write blog posts for free in exchange for a mention.
Step 6. Create a writer's website
Your site will not only demonstrate your technical skills, it will also become an internet contact center, allowing customers to communicate with you. Choose a neat and clean style. Include examples of your work that demonstrate your type of writing. Make the examples easy to find and read. Finally, make sure it's very easy for visitors to find your contact information.
Step 7. Start a blog
A blog highlights your technical skills and shows your ability to write posts. You can write a blog on a different topic than what you cover in the articles you make for your clients. In fact, you should dedicate it to a topic that interests you personally. Visitors will understand not only that you can write, but that you are also capable of creating an online community. A good blog can earn you great references to find more customers.
Method 4 of 4: Selling Your Stuff on the Internet
Step 1. Find items to sell
Search the whole house. Spend a few days or the weekend cleaning and remove all unnecessary junk from the house. Find items to throw away, give away and give away. Catalog everything. Each item category has multiple marketplaces on a specific site.
- Books, CDs and DVDs sell best on Amazon.
- Collectables, luxury clothes, and small appliances are most successful on eBay.
- Craigslist is the best choice for generic items, such as work tools or toys.
Step 2. Open merchant accounts
Create an account on Amazon, eBay and Craigslist. On these platforms it is very easy to create a seller account. Usually you will need to provide some personal information, such as your name and address, as well as the financial information needed to receive payments.
- Amazon sellers need to link a checking account and sales proceeds will be deposited directly into them.
- eBay sends payments directly to your bank or PayPal account.
Step 3. Learn the sales guidelines
Each site has rules that dictate what you can and cannot sell. The laws of your state also influence possible transactions. In general, you cannot sell alcohol, weapons, service contracts, animals, or tickets to events. Also, even if they are not prohibited items, there may be restrictions on artwork, gift cards and coupons. Craigslist, eBay, and Amazon post these guidelines on their websites.
Step 4. Research the prices of items similar to yours
Look for successful sales or listings that are currently valid. Find the most expensive and cheapest items, then choose an average price for your items. If you want to get rid of the products quickly, choose a lower amount. You must also consider the condition of the object when deciding what price to charge. Items that are not in perfect condition must be sold at a large discount. Also, consider how many products similar to yours are already on the market. If there is a lot of competition, you will have to lower the price to be able to sell.
Step 5. Consider selling in batches
A lot is a group of similar items sold together. For example, if you have a collection of books, magazines, or similar jewelry, you can sell them all together in a lot. You will not earn an amount equal to the single value of each item, but you will be able to place them faster.
Step 6. Write a thorough description
By including more details, the chances of a sale increase. Since buyers cannot see the item in person before making the purchase, provide as much information as possible to give the user the impression that they know what they are buying. If an item is used, be honest and straightforward about its condition.
- Check the description for errors before publishing it.
- Write a descriptive title that contains information about the product, its size, color and design.
Step 7. Add high quality images of the object
Use lots of photos, which portray him from different angles. Eliminate everything in the background, so as not to distract attention from what you want to sell. Use natural light and not a flash. Take close-ups so users can see details.
Step 8. Offer excellent customer service
Answer all questions asked by buyers as quickly as possible. Be professional and courteous. Positive communication allows you to improve your reputation with buyers, who may decide to buy other items from you. Also, take care of the packaging of the products and ship them quickly. If one of your items gets damaged during shipping or if you take too long to send it, your reputation will suffer. Pack everything you sell well, especially fragile items. Make a commitment to ship as soon as you receive your payment.