In this video and blog post, I want to talk about the power of the Internet and help people are really making money online. The internet has changed the world in ways most of us couldn’t have imagined years ago. Today, ordinary people can build real income streams from home (or anywhere), often with very low start-up costs. In this post, I want to share some of the most common ways people are making money online, and also explain why I’ve recently started doing something new that is working very well for me.
If you’re at the beginning of your online journey, you may also find this helpful: How to Start Making Money Online With A Zero Budget. Don’t forget that we also have a Facebook page with various tips etc.
Start with the foundations (and keep it simple)
Over the years, I’ve learned that the online world rewards people who keep things simple, stay consistent, and focus on proven models. Shiny objects come and go, but the fundamentals remain the same: choose a method, learn it properly, take action, and give it time.
I wrote another post that goes deeper into the “real world” side of this: How Making Money Online Really Works.
Affiliate marketing (one of the best ways to begin)
Affiliate marketing is where many people start, including me. It’s a great model because you don’t need to create a product, hold stock, or deal with customer service. Your job is to connect the right people with the right solution.
If you’re new to the concept, start here: Affiliate Marketing Explained. And if you want ideas for where to apply, you can also see: Top Affiliate Marketing Programs To Join.
YouTube and video content
Video is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and grow an audience. You can potentially earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate links, but even more importantly, YouTube helps you get known for a topic over time.
- If you haven’t started yet, this will help: How To Create A YouTube Channel Step By Step
- If you’re trying to grow, you may enjoy this: How I Doubled My YouTube Subscribers In Two Weeks
- And if you’re comparing formats, here’s my take: Why YouTube is easier than blogging
Google AdSense (great once you have traffic)
AdSense can be a good earner once your website is getting consistent traffic, but it’s usually not the first option for brand-new sites. It becomes more interesting once you have content indexed and people arriving via Google.
If you want a practical way to connect Google services (including AdSense-related tools) to your WordPress site, you can see: How to Set Up Google Site Kit in WordPress.
Digital products: courses, eBooks, templates, guides
Digital products can be a strong model because you create something once and can sell it repeatedly. The key is to solve a real problem and keep it practical. You don’t need to be “famous” to do this, but you do need clarity on who you’re helping and what result you’re offering.
Email marketing (build an audience you own)
Email marketing is still one of the most valuable assets in online business because you’re building a list that you control. Social platforms can change overnight, but an email list gives you direct communication with your audience.
If you want a practical example using an autoresponder, you can see: How To Connect WordPress To AWeber.
Freelancing and skills-based work
If you have a skill (or you’re willing to learn one), you can earn online through services such as video editing, writing, design, WordPress work, basic SEO, and many other practical areas. This can be a very quick way to start earning while you build longer-term assets like YouTube or websites.
E-commerce and dropshipping
E-commerce can work well, but it’s a different type of business model. You’re dealing with products, suppliers, customer service, and sometimes returns. It can be profitable, but it’s not always “hands-off”, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Memberships and communities
Communities can be valuable because they compress time. You learn faster, meet like-minded people, and often avoid mistakes because others have already been there and done it. Some communities are free and some are paid, but the right group can make a big difference.
I also shared my thoughts on the importance of this kind of connection here: My Experience Of Networking Groups.
So what am I doing now?
I’ve been online a long time, and I haven’t quit the “classic” methods like affiliate marketing. I still believe in them. But I have recently started doing something different, and it’s been working very well for me.
This ties in with another post I published recently: Why I Didn’t Quit Affiliate Marketing – But Added This.
Watch the full presentation (don’t take shortcuts)
Rather than trying to explain everything in a few lines, I’ve put together a full presentation that walks through what I’m doing in a clear, step-by-step way. If you’re interested, I strongly recommend you go through the presentation properly, from start to finish. It will answer most questions up front and help you decide whether it’s for you.
If you’ve come here from my YouTube video, you’ll find the presentation link in the video description. If you have any questions after watching, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help.
Final thoughts
The internet is full of opportunities, but the best results usually come from doing fewer things, more consistently. Choose a model that suits you, learn the basics, and keep moving forward. If you’d like more ideas, you may also enjoy this post: 10 Practical Ways To Earn From Your Laptop (Affiliate Marketing And Beyond).
Thanks for reading.