How to make money online for beginners: 23 ways to earn from home

1. Share your knowledge through courses

The rising demand for online learning makes courses one of the best ways to make money online. In addition to scaling your business and diversifying your income, selling courses on Teachable is a powerful way to share a passion. Another perk of online courses is that you can earn passive income, freeing you up to grow your business in other ways.

With courses, you can charge a premium—at least $100-$350 a course. If you sell 10-30 courses, you can earn between $1,000 to $10,000 monthly.

You might be thinking, “Of course, Teachable would say courses make money.” We say it because it’s true. We’ve seen it. Thousands of creators make millions of dollars launching courses on Teachable each year.

How to start an online course

To make money from online courses, start by selecting a topic you’re passionate about and that others are interested in learning. For example, Dave Cross teaches marketable skills in his photo editing courses. 

Next, outline your course curriculum, breaking it down into manageable sections or modules. You can also use our AI curriculum generator to get started if you need help formulating a solid outline. Then, determine what platform you want to use to manage and market your course. 

Teachable makes creating a course, uploading your content, and working with clients straightforward. 

Of course, there are a few more steps, but for a more detailed guide, view our blog on how to create and sell online courses. Here’s a summary of everything you need to know to make money with online courses.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0-$400 monthly for an online course platform	A combination of subject matter expertise, communication skills, technical skills, and marketing expertise	Low – even beginners can create and sell courses leveraging platforms like Teachable	One to three months

 

2. Earn money online with coaching

Like online courses, coaching is a powerful way to leverage your skills and expertise to teach others. Because coaches develop personal relationships with their clients, coaching services tend to come at a premium. Coaching also requires attention, time, and commitment, so you can ask for a higher price for your products and services.

How to start coaching online

To start, select a reliable platform. Teachable has a standalone coaching feature, so it’s easy to build coaching services along with other digital products. Beyond that, you can offer coaching immediately without any additional tech or equipment. We’ve taken care of all the communication, payment, and scheduling.

Another benefit of coaching is that clients can spur and validate course ideas. If your clients consistently ask for more in-depth guidance on a topic, create a course on it and get an additional revenue stream. 

Tips for online coaches:

• Define your coaching niche and focus on the needs of your ideal clients.
• Obtain a coaching certification or add testimonials to your website to establish credibility.
• Research other coaches with similar offerings to develop competitive pricing.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0-$400 monthly for a website and coaching platform	Strong communication, organization, business development, and emotional awareness	Low – you don’t need certifications or degrees to start	One month or less if you have an existing audience base

3. Put pen to paper with freelance writing

Another way to make money online without paying anything is through writing. 

How to start freelance writing online

There are many ways to start freelance writing. For example, reach out to publications or websites directly or build a portfolio and share it with potential customers. Either way, the more proactive you are, the more successful you’ll be. 

Tips for freelance writers:

• Build a portfolio site of sample writing to showcase your work.
• Identify websites or blogs you’d like to contribute to but do your homework before pitching. Identify the proper editor, related topics, and why a piece would be a good fit.
• In your pitch, focus on your unique point of view and why it’s relevant to the publication.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Excellent writing skills, research, and time management skills	Low – pitching yourself and getting steady work is the biggest barrier	One month or less

4. Get creative with freelance design

Another way to diversify your income stream and make money from home is through freelance design. For example, you can make money as a freelance graphic designer or illustrator.

How to start freelance design online

The process is largely the same as any freelance business. Build a portfolio, gain testimonials, pitch your services to appropriate sources, and book gigs. 

Well-thought-out designs are always in need, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your services. Sometimes, it’s the more specific services that are the most valuable to clients. For example, if you only want to design infographics, don’t be afraid to market yourself for this particular niche.

Adding other digital products to sell, like design courses for aspiring designers, will diversify your income. 

Tips for freelance designers:

• Ask for referrals from your current customers. Referrals help you get new clients at little to no cost.
• Keep an eye on design trends and grow your skillset with the latest software and techniques. 
• Focus on a niche and market your services. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$100- $200 for graphic design software	Graphic design, illustration, or web design skills	Medium – you must have design skills	One to two months, but longer if you are learning design

5. Sell video editing services

Designers and writers aren’t the only creatives who can earn extra money online. Many brands and individuals need videographers to help with storyboarding, filming, and editing. 

How to start your video editing business

You can make money online video editing without a lot of equipment or startup costs. You’ll need strong skills with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. To get started, consider creating a website and using social media to show off your best work. 

If you’re in the video world, chances are you know the ins and outs of pitching your work. But, we urge you to consider broadening your scope when looking for gigs. Brands and publications aren’t the only places to find paid video work. 

You can also provide video services to:

• Influencers
• Marketing agencies
• Fellow creators 
• Real estate
• Weddings and events

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$20 – $300 per month for video editing software, plus any website and marketing costs	Video editing, technical knowledge, attention to detail, creativity, and communication	High – it can take several months to years to become a pro at video editing	Two to six months, depending on your skills

6. Earn money online through affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money online for beginners because it has little to no upfront costs. Creators can earn affiliate income by partnering with a brand or company and earning a commission on every sale they drive. There are thousands of affiliate programs online through retailers, Amazon, tech companies, and more.

How to start affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a long-term strategy that takes time to turn a profit. The best way to succeed is to find a niche that aligns with a personal interest or expertise. Then, research different affiliate programs to join, either directly with a brand or through an affiliate network. 

Most people pull in a few hundred dollars a month with affiliate selling, but this varies by the creator, partner, and platform. If you join enough programs and are strategic, you can earn several thousand in passive income.

Tips for affiliate marketers:

• Do your homework before joining an affiliate marketing program. Many programs pay creators with gift cards or store credit, which may not be your preferred payment method. 
• Use free traffic sources (like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) to start marketing and grow your audience.
• Create great content to build trust with your target audience.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Knowledge within a niche and social media marketing skills	Low – join programs for free and start marketing to your existing audience.	Over three months, depending on your niche and audience size

7. Make money on YouTube

When it comes to YouTube, ads reign supreme. The average YouTube pay rate hovers between $0.01 and $0.03 for an ad view, which translates to $3-$5 per 1,000 views. How much money YouTubers make depends, but you can earn between $400 and $2,400 for every 100,000 views.

How to make money online with YouTube

YouTubers earn income mostly through AdSense, brand sponsorships, and affiliate links. You may also sell merchandise to your audience or collect fan funding. However, keep in mind that on YouTube, you’ll only receive payment after earning $100 or more from ads on your videos.

Tips for YouTubers:

• Enable ads: Join the Youtube Partner program, then create an AdSense account to display ads during your videos. You must have a channel in good standing, 1,000 subscribers, and 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months to be eligible. 
• Create sponsored content: The big perk is that YouTube won’t get a cut of your earnings because you’ll negotiate directly with a brand. This strategy works best if you have a large, engaged audience. 
• Share affiliate links: Encourage your audience to visit a brand’s store and get a percentage of sales made through your unique affiliate link. Affiliate marketing can be the best way to earn money when you have few subscribers.

Although not every creator can make millions on YouTube, diversifying your revenue stream is critical. Angela Fehr, for example, is a talented watercolor artist on YouTube and has since created an online academy teaching watercolor on Teachable.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0-$1,000 if you decide to purchase video equipment like cameras and lighting	Video creation and editing, communication, and marketing	High – to make a meaningful income on YouTube, you need to build an engaged audience first.	Varies based on audience size, but it can be up to 12 months

8. Do search engine evaluating

With over three and a half billion daily Google searches, a few bugs pop up from time to time. To stay on top of these bugs, Google hires independent contractors as search engine evaluators. (Naturally, you will need familiarity with SEO.)

Search engine evaluators analyze web search results to assess their usefulness and quality. If you enjoy remote, flexible work—this may be the job for you.

How to get started as a search engine evaluator

• Scout sites like Appen, Lionbridge, ZeroChaos, and of course, Google to look for roles.
• Pass an entrance exam.
• Note: You may have a few hours of unpaid training before you see an income, so be mindful of your time and commitment.

On average, expect to make around $12 to $15 per hour as a search engine evaluator. It’s not the most known or profitable, but it’s a viable online way to make money from home.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Research and analytical skills, and SEO knowledge	Low – all you need is to pass an entrance exam	One month

9.  Host a podcast

Like starting a blog, podcasts aren’t profitable themselves per se. But, once your audience grows, you can monetize through ads that you sell in fifteen-second blocks.

How to start earning money as a podcaster

To attract large brand sponsors to your podcast, you’ll need an average of 50,000 downloads per month. You’ll either directly deal with brands or work through a podcast ad marketplace. 

To start, share affiliate links or leverage crowdfunding sites to get support from your listeners. 

Tips for a first-time podcaster:

• Purchase any equipment to get your podcast up and running.
• Figure out a niche for your podcast. Remember: The more specific, the better.
• Recruit guests to appear on your podcast and encourage them to get the word out about your broadcast.
• Begin recording and come up with a regular posting schedule.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
At least $200 for basic equipment, hosting, and editing software	Strong communication and listening skills, podcast editing	Medium – you’ll need some equipment and technical skills	Depends on audience size, could be several years

10. Set up an online store

There are many routes to take for selling physical (or even digital) goods. Marketplaces like Etsy allow sellers to set up a sales page and list inventory without much heavy lifting.

Alternatively, platforms like Shopify and Wix give a seller total control by allowing them to set up a store, customize, and advertise it.

How to start a profitable online store

Building a successful e-commerce business requires careful planning and execution. You’ll need to choose a niche, research the competition, craft a business plan, and choose an e-commerce platform. An ideal niche has high demand, low competition, and products that you are passionate about. 

If you decide to sell physical products, you must make or source them before launching your store. Digital products, like e-books or digital downloads, require less upfront costs and time to create. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
Varies based on platform and products, but expect at least $5,000 for physical products	Knowledge of business planning, marketing, and supply chain	High – you need a good to sell	At least two months

11.  Earn money online as a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) take care of any job that can be done online. This might mean scheduling tweets, designing blog graphics, managing emails, researching blog posts, or something else. 

The sky’s the limit with what a virtual assistant can do or earn—and it’s one of the best money-making opportunities.

How to start out as a virtual assistant

As a VA, you can offer services directly to companies on a contract basis or work through a virtual assistant agency. Establishing steady client relationships can take several months (or longer). 

It’s up to you to decide how much time to devote and what unique skills you bring. On average, active VAs earn around $1,800 a month.

Tips on how to make money online as a beginner virtual assistant:

• Take a course on how to become a VA.
• Join specific groups geared toward virtual assistants. Facebook is a great place to start.
• Research prices for your specific skills and services.
• Create your own VA site or reach out via online groups or forums for potential gigs.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Most VAs have strong administrative skills, time management, organization, and marketing skills	Low – a diverse skill set is a must	A few weeks to one month

12. Craft infographics, guides, and workbooks

Do you have a knack for marketing or other types of branded content creation? Creating infographics, guides, and workbooks is a highly sought-after skill—and one that many smaller businesses or organizations will commission.

How to start creating branded content

Put together a sample of your work that shows off your skillset and send it to potential companies. At first, you can use marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr to advertise your services.  

The more work you get, the higher you can charge per piece of content. You don’t even need advanced design skills to break into this money-making activity. With programs like Canva, creating beautiful designs has never been easier. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Graphic design, writing, and marketing	Medium – finding clients can take time	One to two months

13. Start a blog

When it comes to learning how to make money online for beginners, blogging is one of the most popular and easiest options to start. Bloggers earn money online through advertising, partnerships, selling their own products, and affiliate commissions. 

How to start earning money blogging

The more people who follow and engage with your blog posts, the more opportunities there are to earn money. Focus on driving traffic through SEO and leverage social media to grow your audience before attempting to monetize your blog.

Although advertising is the easiest way to make money blogging, it’s not going to yield high returns. A better way to generate meaningful revenue is to partner with a brand for “sponsored content.” Bloggers can charge anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per sponsored post.

But, a more impactful way for bloggers to earn money is to sell a product. Although creating meaningful content and building an audience is always wise for online creators, creating and selling a product—like courses, coaching, or digital downloads—to your reader base is another way to generate revenue.

Tips for beginner bloggers:

• Brainstorm your domain name and blog niche.
• Create a backlog of content before launch.
• Launch and publish your blog.
• Establish a consistent posting schedule.
• Promote your blog on social media and build an email list.

It’s easy to assume that blogging makes money. But, a smarter way to look at it is: Influence makes money. Running a blog is one means to gain influence and a following.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$50 – $200	Writing, SEO, social media, and marketing	Low to start a blog, high to gain enough traffic to start earning money	Six months

14. Offer your photography services

Photographers don’t only make money from taking pictures, they can also make money online. Many photographers find work editing photos, storyboarding social media accounts, retouching, designing sets, and selling prints. 

How to earn money online as a photographer

When first starting out, continuously hone your craft through practice and experimentation. Offer low-cost or even free sessions to friends and family members to build your skills and portfolio. Then, market your niche services with a beautiful website and social media presence. 

Look for opportunities to add on or package services to earn more money. For example, many photographers make money online by selling courses on Teachable. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
Photo equipment, including cameras and lighting, can range from $500-$1,500 for beginners	Photography and editing skills	Medium – it takes time to develop professional photography skills and a portfolio	One to three months, depending on your skills

15. Transcribe or translate work

If you don’t have a ton of time but still want to earn extra money online, try transcribing or translating content.

If you’re fluent in another language, that only sweetens the deal. As far as online jobs go, translating and transcribing services are some of the fastest ways to earn money with skills you already have.

How to start earning as a transcriber or translator

With the rise of AI, many brands use services like Otter.ai for automated transcription but may hire someone to clean it up. Some businesses also pay transcribers through marketplaces like Rev. Another way to make money selling transcription or translation services is to find clients on Upwork and Fiverr or work at a translation agency. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Excellent communication and time management skills, and fluency in multiple languages is a plus	Low – leverage skills you already have	One month

16. Provide social media captions or copywriting

We’ve talked a lot about online writing opportunities, but if your specialty is social media, capitalize on that. Many small brands and businesses may not have an internal social media team but still need help with their social platforms.

How to start earning as a social media copywriter

The biggest hurdle is gaining your first client. Leverage the power of your existing network—people who already know, like, and trust you—to make inroads. Defining an industry and platform niche can further differentiate you and build credibility. 

With the fast-changing social landscape, specialty services like Facebook Ads management and Reels creation are in high demand. 

From crafting a brand’s voice and tone on social to sitting down and copywriting posts and captions, social media writing is a growing money-making opportunity.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Copywriting, social media expertise, organization, and time management	Medium – social media experience is a plus	One to two months

17. Consult as a social media community manager

As anyone with a social presence knows, running a social media account doesn’t end when you upload a picture or post. You need to engage with your audience to make an impact on social platforms.

This is particularly true for brands to build an active and authentic voice and troubleshoot ASAP when issues arise. Working as a social media community manager is another way to earn extra money.

How to start earning as a social media manager

Smaller brands are typically more likely to hire a freelance social media manager. Pitching your services with tailored social media suggestions can generate leads and new clients. Marketing your services on freelance websites is another way to find clients. 

Duties as a social media community manager include:

• Liking and replying to comments.
• Answering customer service questions.
• Escalating problems as necessary.
• Responding to DMs.
• Troubleshooting during crises.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Social media engagement, communication, and customer service	Low – social media or customer service experience is a bonus	One to two months

18. Become a Pinterest strategist

Pinterest is a powerful search engine. Over 450 million people use Pinterest every month. You can flex your Pinterest knowledge and make money along the way.

How to earn money as a Pinterest strategist

From conducting Pinterest audits to managing a brand’s Pinterest strategy, there are many opportunities to make money on Pinterest.

One way to do this is to work with current clients or brands and explain why investing in a Pinterest strategy is wise. Then, offer your services as an add-on or upsell for a higher price point.

If you have SEO skills, leverage them on Pinterest. With many courses and free resources, you can quickly learn the ins and outs.

Tips for building your Pinterest strategy:

• Do a content audit (What content is there? What boards exist? What should be created?)
• Decide upon a goal for the client’s Pinterest (Increased blog traffic? More sales? Brand recognition and more followers?)
• Set trackable metrics and KPIs to report on
• Establish a Pinterest voice and pinning cadence

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	SEO, graphic design, and Pinterest expertise	Medium -you’ll need extensive Pinterest knowledge.	One to three months

19. Stay in the know as a social media strategist

We’ve talked a lot about social media services as a way to make money online. But one of the most impactful ways is to wrap all your services into one full-scale social media strategist package.

How to earn money as a social media strategist

Package your services with price points and offerings to serve various brands and clients. Some may want a few a la carte services, while others need the full suite of social media offerings. 

Document case studies to share with potential clients and use metrics to prove social media value. Collect referrals and social proof to grow your client base. 

As a social media strategist, you can: 

• Flush out the client’s social objectives
• Establish voice and image guidelines
• Create and publish posts
• Run all social media platforms that are relevant to your client
• Community management
• Report on established KPIs and goals

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Communication skills, creativity, strategic thinking, analytics, knowledge of social trends and graphic design	Medium – building a client base is the most significant barrier.	One to three months

20. Tutor online

If you have a passion for teaching, online tutoring is a way to earn a steady income from the comfort of your own home.

How to start tutoring online

Most tutoring platforms require some tutoring or teaching experience and a degree. If you create your website and market your services instead, you can earn more after an initial upfront investment. 

Tips for building your tutoring business:

• Explore different tutoring platforms to find the best rate and fit for your skillset.
• Alternatively, offer tutoring on Teachable and keep more of your earnings.
• Find your niche and focus on tutoring students in that area. 
• Offer your services to friends and family and request referrals. 
• Create a website to showcase success stories and attract new clients.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0	Subject matter expertise, strong communication skills, patience, and empathy	Low – tutoring experience and knowledge of a certain area can help	One month

21. Become a website developer

If you have skills in website design, selling your services online has never been easier. You can build websites, offer website maintenance, create templates, and participate in affiliate marketing. You can also host your own web development courses like ui.dev does on Teachable. 

How to make money as a website developer

Find clients through online platforms like Upwork, networking, and word-of-mouth referrals. Choose a website development platform like WordPress or Shopify to specialize your skills and attract more work.

Tips for getting started as a website developer:

• Learn the basic programming languages of web development (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).
• Build a website to practice your skills and create a portfolio of your work.
• Consider obtaining a certification in website development from a reputable organization.

Breaking into website development takes more time and expertise than other money-making activities on this list. Still, there is no doubt that it is a lucrative and growing online profession. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
$0-$1,000 or more if you pay for a web developer course	Technical skills in programming languages and development frameworks	High – requires specialized skills.	Three months to one year, depending on your skills

22. Try your hand at dropshipping

If you’re looking for a lower-risk way to break into online entrepreneurship, consider the dropshipping business model. 

How to make money with dropshipping

Research the market and choose the right niche and supplier for the products you want to sell. Then, focus on building a strong brand and marketing to attract customers.

Tips for getting started with dropshipping:

• Research the market to understand demand and assess the competition 
• Find a reliable supplier on marketplaces like AliExpress
• Choose an e-commerce platform and then drive traffic to your store through social media, ads, influencers, and other marketing strategies. 

Although the dropshipping market has become more saturated in recent years, it’s still a viable way to make money online with the right products and strategy. 

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
Over $200	Analytical skills, marketing, website development, customer service, and e-commerce knowledge	Medium – you’ll have some startup costs and research needs	Over two months

23. Offer bookkeeping services

Many small businesses need help with payroll and bookkeeping, but they don’t need a full-time employee. 

How to get started as a bookkeeper

Start your own bookkeeping business or offer your services on freelance websites. You’ll need to know popular accounting software like Quickbooks, and many online courses are available. 

Tips to make money as a bookkeeper:

• Take a course or get certified in bookkeeping or accounting.
• Specialize in a specific industry to grow your expertise and charge higher rates.
• Collect client testimonials to build your reputation and grow your client base.

Startup cost	Skills you need	Barrier to entry	Time to make your first $100
Over $200 for courses and software	Knowledge of accounting software and bookkeeping expertise	Medium – typically requires prior experience	Two to three months

Making money online as a beginner: No schemes, just work

Whether you know embroidery, the best sustainable living tips, or latte art, you can make money online by sharing your expertise. 

Many of the money-making activities on this list can lead to additional income by selling online courses, coaching, or digital downloads. You’ve got the knowledge—we’ve got the technology. 

Get started with Teachable today.

FAQs: How to make money online for beginners

1. What is the easiest thing to sell online?

The easiest thing to sell online is your knowledge through online courses. Online courses allow you to make money online using the knowledge and skills you already have. But you don’t have to be an expert in something to start making money online. You just need to be one step ahead of your students and be passionate about sharing what you know.

Once you identify your passion and niche area, you can narrow down your course topic, grow your audience, and use a platform like Teachable to launch a course. Teachable makes it easy to build your curriculum, set up a sales and homepage, and start getting paid for your knowledge. It’s one of the best ways for beginners to make money online.

2. How can a beginner make money online for free?

As a beginner, you can make money online in a lot of ways: affiliate marketing, freelance writing, designing, or blogging. But the best way to start for free is through selling online courses or coaching. You can offer your unique knowledge and perspective through online courses and coaching and charge a premium price. And you can do so for free with Teachable’s Free Plan.

The Free Plan grants you access to our amazing course platform. Through the Free Plan, you can build your course curriculum and launch your online course. You’ll have access to unlimited students and unlimited products too. You’ll get course design templates, product bundles, and more for free.

3. What are some easy ways to make $100 a day online?

You can easily make $100 a day with many of the strategies listed here; choosing the right one depends on your skill set. Becoming a freelance writer, virtual assistant, tutor, or translator are a few ways to make $100 or more daily. 

Consider your goals when choosing a money-making activity. Are you looking for quick, extra cash? Taking online surveys is an easy way to earn extra money. Starting a full-time online business will take more effort upfront but has a more significant earning potential over time. 

4. What skills do I need to make money online?

Making money online often requires strong communication skills, diligence, marketing knowledge, and subject matter expertise. With more and more life happening online, you can leverage almost any skill into an online business.