Making Money Online: How to Get Started

 

Learn basic tips for earning cash on the Web

By ShawnTe Pierce

Photo by: iStockPhotos

With people looking for extra ways to earn money, the Web is fast becoming the solution many have been searching for. Money making possibilities such as selling merchandise on eBay, affiliate programs, even blogging are in abundance around the World Wide Web. Such a variety of money earning opportunities makes supplementing your regular income a snap.

Web Sites, Blogs and Social Networks

Owning or creating a Web site, blog or a social networking page all have plenty of online earnings potential. However, a lot of time and hard work is required before you can make money online using these tools. You need to create and maintain a steady flow of traffic to your page, site or blog. One of the best ways to achieve this is by creating a niche to focus the content around.

If you are not sure what your spot on the Web should focus on, try researching trends on Google Trends for a couple of weeks. Pay particular attention to what the searched names are related to. Whatever you do, find a niche and develop content that drives people to it.

Once you have a steady following for your space on the Web, seek advertising. The easiest revenue to make is by using Google Adsense, which displays advertisements related to your content on your site. Becoming an advertising affiliate is another money generator. Merchants place their ads on your site or blog; you get paid a percentage of the sales your site generates for the merchant.

eBay

A quick and easy way to generate extra income is to sell merchandise on eBay. Instead of having a yard sale that will more than likely earn you just a few dollars, selling your items on eBay can earn you hundreds.

Freelance Services

Skills in graphic arts, Web design, filmmaking, translation, writing and accounting can make money online for you. Sites such as Demand Studios and Associated Content offer assignments for writing, audio and film work for freelancers who specialize in these fields. Pay is modest, but can quickly grow with more of your work published. In addition, your work continues to earn you money years down the road. Finally, sites such as these can serve as an online portfolio for your work.

Freelance marketplace Elance is a network that matches freelance service providers and individuals or companies looking to hire them for projects. Elance typically offers around 4,000 assignments that are open for bidding to freelance providers each day. Start off by creating a free profile. Later on, you can opt for the paid membership plan.

These are just three methods that enable you to make money online. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the option that best fits your lifestyle. Choose wisely and have fun exploring the possibilities of making money on your own.