Online Income Ideas
Involved for almost two decades in web graphics design I could not overlook the growing trend to monetize online presence through many online income ideas. Finally, I decided to try three of them myself. I considered certain qualities when selecting them:
- I want to work from home, wherever home may be.
- I want to be part of a community. Online communities count.
- Although I am open to learning new tricks I also want to use the skills I already mastered.
- With time, I hope to be able to generate residual income.
3 Ways to Earn Online Income
1. Selling Online
There are many services out there that can help you to move goods. There are two complications: you need an inventory of products, and you need a store, right? Not necessary.
- If you’re crafty, you could sell crafty ideas and templates.
- If you’re a good writer, try getting freelance writing gigs.
- Know more than one language? Offer translations.
- If you are a teacher, offer tutoring; with remote learning, it’s a booming business.
- If you are an expert in anything – offer consulting.
You could advertise on YouTube or any other Social Media, but as a respected storefront, you most likely need a website. There are many easy-to-navigate hosts and website builders loaded with templates and tutorials out there. I chose the robust and versatile combination of WordPress and Bluehost.
Back to the Online Store. A few months ago, I needed vector art, a silhouette to complete a brochure project. I was in a hurry, and good vectors are not quick to draw. So, I found one on Etsy! A few dollars, one download, and a few minutes of adjustments later my brochure was good to go. A few dollars?! Was it worth it for the author of the vector? Yes, because I am sure I was not the only one who bought it. You can download files endlessly with no harm to the original. I am sure that vector is still up there, bringing every so often a few dollars home.
That is the kind of selling I am after!
Downloadable files of art or writing, tutorial videos, expert talk podcasts – whatever you are good at, and other people could find useful.
Setting up an Etsy Shop requires time and preparation. To learn – I found an up-to-date guide in the Amazon Shop: How To Sell On Etsy. I know, there are Blogs and YouTube videos on the topic. But I still like to have a written version I can browse through without Internet connections and make notes on the side as I read.
Was the book useful? Check my Etsy Shop to see the results.
2. Affiliate Programs
Affiliate marketing is the process by which you earn a commission for promoting products or services for others. When it generates a sale, you earn a little profit.
You advertise by placing affiliate links on your blog, website, social media profile, and sometimes even in your e-mail. When your visitors click on these links, they will be redirected to the company you promote. Every such visit will be tracked in your account and if the purchase happens – you will earn.
The most popular and versatile affiliate program out there is the Amazon Affiliate Program, and of course, I signed up for it too.
Therefore the link to the Etsy Manual is my affiliate link. This means that at no cost to you, I may be earning a little commission if you use it to place an order. NOTE: I never recommend what don’t find useful myself.
Many other companies offer Affiliate Programs. With some, you can sign up directly, some – may ask you to go through collective programs like ShareASale. In that case, you need to apply to these programs first. It usually costs nothing to join, but often you must first convince them, that you have a way to advertise.
What to promote? Whatever you use and like. It is a good idea to share a good review before asking people to buy anything – and faking it does not cut it. Copying other reviews is not working too well either. Online shoppers are not stupid, they can tell the difference between true passion and a scripted sales pitch. You know, you’re one of them.
3. Press Trips
There are many travel plans my generation saved for the years after we retire, so obviously I could not skip the how-to “get paid to travel” option.
A press trip, also called FAM trip (“fam” stands for familiarization), is a sponsored trip for writers, photographers, travel bloggers, and social influencers. It is sponsored by tourism boards, brands, airlines, resorts, conference organizers, etc. These trips are offered in exchange for pre-agreed coverage through reviews produced in various traditional and digital media outlets. It’s a method for gathering positive publicity.
The contracted, and best-paid trips are obviously reserved for the pros. Great influencers don’t have to look for hosting sponsors. Tourism boards are lining up to hire them.
Once you’re hired it becomes a business arrangement.
The itinerary, including meals, accommodations, and schedules is organized in advance. The participants are escorted around, all the details are handled, and there is usually little time for leisure or individual research. It is more income and less fun.
The question is: how to get there?
Once you commence your own blog or social media account, find a niche for writing content, and growing your audience. Write about what you already know. Even if you start for free it’s a good practice and can be an audience builder.
Plan to network. Be sure to bring a handout. At least a business card, at best create your own Media Kit. It is a document that includes all your social media links, your blog traffic and demographics, testimonials from previous partners, your target audience, and your intention. Something to show why you’re worthy of a press trip.
Whether paid or not, travels are a great way of creating content and gathering an audience. And the audience is what you also need for successful selling and running affiliate programs as well.
I am aware that describing these 3 options I only scratched the surface. There are many more opportunities out there. But this is a start. Ideas I plan to try out. As I will go through them I promise to share more details, tips, and mistakes with all interested. Let me know if that would be you.
Hello Margret,
Write Original Blog Content Fast That’s Ready To Rank With Jarvis
Hope to speak to you soon.
Mark
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Hi Mark,
Sorry I removed your link but using my blog to display Affiliate Programs I am not part of, will defeat its purpose. I do not intent to become Jarvis affiliate. I enjoy writing. Ai may replace some generic content in the future but will never create the fairytales I love. I know, I have room for improvement when it comes to my English – but to work on that I just became affiliate with Grammarly. 🙂