Okay, real talk. I used to think "making money online" was code for either selling your soul to some pyramid scheme or being one of those people who somehow became YouTube famous for unboxing toys. Like, how the hell do normal people actually make money on the internet without becoming influencers or tech wizards?
I remember scrolling through those "work from home" articles at 1 AM, feeling like everyone had figured out some secret I was too dumb to understand. Every opportunity seemed to require skills I didn't have or sounded too good to be true.
Then my sister-in-law mentioned she was making $350 a month doing virtual assistant stuff while her baby napped. I was like, "That sounds fake," but she literally showed me her bank account. Three hundred and fifty real dollars for answering emails and scheduling appointments.
That's when it clicked for me. I'd been overthinking the hell out of this. You don't need to invent the next Facebook or become TikTok famous. You just need to do boring stuff that businesses need done but don't want to do themselves.
Now I make about $750 a month from online work, and honestly, most of it is pretty mindless. I manage Pinterest accounts while watching Netflix, write blog posts about topics I actually know about, and do customer service chat when I'm bored. None of it requires a degree in computer science.
If you're sitting there thinking you're not "internet savvy" enough or don't have any special skills, I'm calling you out. If you can use Facebook and send emails, you can absolutely make money online.
Are you ready to scale your online success? Our complete side hustle guide shows you advanced strategies.
Why I Was Wrong About Online Work
Before I figured this out, I had all these dumb assumptions about online work that kept me broke longer than necessary.
Assumption #1: You need technical skills. Wrong. Most online work is just normal work that happens to be done on a computer. Customer service is customer service, whether it's in person or via chat.
Assumption #2: It's all scams or get-rich-quick schemes. There's definitely scammy stuff out there, but there's also tons of legitimate work. Real businesses need real help with real tasks.
Assumption #3: You need experience to get hired. Actually, a lot of online employers prefer training people their way rather than dealing with someone who thinks they know everything.
Assumption #4: You have to quit your day job. Most people start online work as a side thing. You can make an extra $300-800 a month without changing your entire life.
The reality is way more boring and way more doable than I thought.
13 Ways to Actually Make Money Online (No BS Edition)
Alright, let me break down the stuff that's actually working for regular people right now. Not get-rich-quick schemes or anything that requires you to sell your soul.
The "Anyone Can Do This" Category
1. Virtual Assistant Stuff
This is basically being someone's online helper. Sounds fancy, but it's really just doing administrative tasks remotely.
What you actually do:
- Please respond to emails and arrange meetings.
- Do research on random topics.
- Manage social media accounts.
- Data entry and organizing files
- Customer service via chat
Why it's perfect if you're starting out:
- Most of it is common sense stuff.
- They'll teach you their specific systems.
- You can start with super simple tasks.
- Many small businesses need help but can't afford full-time employees.
Where to find work:
- Belay, Time Etc., and Fancy Hands are companies that handle finding clients for you.
- Virtual assistant Facebook groups
- Just ask small business owners if they need help.
What you can make: $12-20/hour, which works out to about $300-600/month part-time
Real example: My friend Laura manages email for three different small business owners. She spends approximately 8 hours per week and earns $480 per month.
2. Customer Service Chat
It's far better than phone support because you can think before you respond, and there are usually scripts for common questions.
What this looks like:
- Answering customer questions through chat windows
- Helping people with orders and returns
- Following scripts for common problems
- Escalating weird stuff to full-time employees
Companies actually hiring:
- LiveWorld
- The Chat Shop
- ModSquad
- Working Solutions
Why it doesn't suck:
- They train you on everything.
- Most customer questions are pretty basic.
- You can work part-time hours.
- No cold calling or sales pressure
What you can make: $13-16/hour
3. Data Entry and Random Research
Super boring but reliable. Companies need people to input information, research stuff online, and organize data.
Examples of actual work:
- Copying information from documents into spreadsheets
- Finding contact info for businesses
- Researching products and prices online
- Organizing files and databases
Where to look:
- Clickworker
- DionData Solutions
- Smart Crowd
Skills needed:
- Ability to type without making tons of mistakes
- Basic spreadsheet knowledge (YouTube can teach you)
- Attention to detail
What you can make: $10-14/hour
My take: It's mind-numbing, but it's also steady work that requires zero creativity or decision-making. Good if you just want to zone out and make money.
The "Creative" Stuff (Using Free Tools)
4. Social Media Management
Small businesses know they need social media but have no clue how to do it. Perfect opportunity if you understand Instagram and Facebook better than your parents.
What you actually do:
- Create posts using Canva (free design tool).
- Schedule posts so they go out automatically.
- Respond to comments and messages.
- Research hashtags and what competitors are doing.
Getting your first client:
- Look for local businesses with terrible social media.
- Offer to manage their Instagram account for a month at a low cost.
- Please present them with the results, such as increased followers and engagement.
- Use that to get more clients.
Tools you'll need:
- Canva (free)
- Later or Buffer for scheduling (free plans)
- Your brain
What you can make: $200-500 per client per month
Real example: My neighbor manages Instagram for two coffee shops and a yoga studio. Makes $650/month total, spends maybe 6 hours per week on it.
5. Basic Graphic Design with Canva
You don't need to be an artist. Canva has templates for everything, and small businesses need simple designs constantly.
What people will pay for:
- Social media graphics
- Flyers and promotional stuff
- Simple logos and business cards
- Website headers
- Presentation slides
Learning curve:
- Canva has free tutorials built in.
- YouTube has millions of design tutorials.
- Pinterest is excellent for inspiration.
- You'll gain understanding through hands-on experience.
Where to find clients:
- Local business Facebook groups
- Fiverr for small projects
- Consider reaching out to businesses with less appealing marketing materials.
What you can make: $20-75 per design
6. Pinterest Management
This is my main thing because it's so low-maintenance once you get the hang of it. Businesses are finally realizing Pinterest drives actual traffic and sales.
What Pinterest management is:
- Creating pin graphics in Canva
- Writing descriptions with keywords
- Scheduling pins using Tailwind
- Organizing boards and content
- Checking analytics monthly
Why I love it:
- You can batch a month of work in a few hours.
- Most of it can be automated.
- Clients don't expect immediate results (less pressure).
- High demand from bloggers and online businesses
Getting started:
- Learn Pinterest strategy from free blogs.
- Practice on your account first.
- Offer services in blogger Facebook groups.
- Start cheap and build testimonials.
What you can make: $250-400 per client per month
My setup: I manage Pinterest for four clients, make $850/month, and work maybe 10 hours total per week.
Writing Stuff (If You Can Text, You Can Do This)
7. Blog Writing for Small Businesses
Local businesses need content for their websites but don't have time to write it. If you can explain things clearly, you can do this.
What you'll write:
- How-to articles related to their business
- Answers to common customer questions
- Industry tips and advice
- Product or service explanations
Getting started:
- Could you please write a couple of sample articles on topics you are familiar with?
- Look for local companies with outdated websites.
- Please propose the idea of developing new content to them.
What they pay:
- $50-150 per article for beginners
- More once you prove you can drive traffic
Topics that pay well:
- Business advice
- Health and wellness
- Home improvement
- Finance
8. Product Descriptions
Online stores need descriptions for all their products. Usually short, formulaic writing that follows templates.
What this looks like:
- Writing 50-100 word descriptions
- Following brand voice guidelines
- Including key features and benefits
- Making products sound appealing
Where to find work:
- Upwork and Fiverr
- Please contact online stores that have inadequate descriptions.
- E-commerce Facebook groups
What you can make: $5-15 per description
Real example: My friend writes descriptions for boutique clothing stores. Makes about $350/month writing maybe 70 descriptions.
9. Email Newsletters
Businesses know they should send newsletters but have no idea what to write. Easy opportunity for anyone who can write like a normal human.
What you create:
- Weekly or monthly newsletters
- Email sequences for new customers
- Promotional emails for sales
- Simple templates they can reuse
Getting clients:
- Look for businesses that should send newsletters but don't.
- Offer to write for one month free to prove your value.
- Email marketing Facebook groups
What you can make: $100-400 per client per month
The "Set It and Forget It" Stuff
10. Print-on-Demand Products
Create designs that get printed on t-shirts, mugs, etc. when people order them. You never handle inventory or shipping.
How it works:
- Make designs in Canva or similar tools.
- Upload to print-on-demand sites.
- Set your prices.
- Earn profit when people buy
Platforms:
- Redbubble (easiest to start)
- Printful with Etsy
- Teespring
- Amazon Merch (if you can get in)
What actually sells:
- Funny sayings and quotes
- Niche hobby stuff (dog lovers, gamers, etc.)
- Holiday and seasonal designs
- Local pride stuff
What you can make: $3-8 profit per sale, $150-600+/month if you find good niches
Real example: My friend makes designs for nurses and makes about $400/month on Redbubble. Spends 3-4 hours per week creating new stuff.
11. Digital Templates and Printables
Create useful templates once, and sell them over and over. This platform is ideal for beginners as it eliminates the need for ongoing client management.
What people buy:
- Budget trackers and planners
- Resume templates
- Business forms and contracts
- Checklists and organization sheets
- Holiday decorations and games
Where to sell:
- Etsy (easiest)
- Your own simple website
- Gumroad
Making templates:
- Use Canva, Google Docs, or basic design tools.
- Examine the current best-selling items to understand consumer preferences.
- Keep designs simple and actually useful.
What you can make: $2-25 per template, $200-800+/month
12. Simple Online Courses
Teach something you already know. Doesn't have to be complicated—basic, practical knowledge often sells best.
What you can teach:
- Software you know (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Hobbies and crafts
- Organization and productivity
- Basic business skills
- Life skills (budgeting, meal planning, etc.)
Platforms:
- Teachable (easiest for beginners)
- Udemy (they bring the audience)
- Skillshare
Creating your first course:
- Select an area where you already have a good level
- Make a short, 1- to 2- hour course.
- Record with your phone or computer.
- Focus on practical stuff people can actually use.
What you can make: $29-200 per course, depending on topic
Real example: A mom I know created a course on organizing kids' toys and clutter. Sells it for $47, makes 8-12 sales per month.
13. Simple Affiliate Marketing
Promote products you actually use and earn commissions when people buy through your links. No need to be fake or pushy.
How it works:
- Sign up for affiliate programs for products you like.
- Share honest reviews and recommendations.
- Include your affiliate links.
- Earn commissions on sales.
Where to promote:
- Social media (especially TikTok and Instagram)
- Blog or website
- YouTube reviews
What works:
- Products you actually use and love
- Solving real problems for specific groups
- Being honest about pros and cons
- Focusing on helpful content, not sales
Getting started:
- Amazon Associates (easiest)
- Target, Walmart, and Best Buy all have programs.
- Individual brand programs often pay more.
What you can make: $100-1,000+/month (super variable)
How to Pick Your First Online Side Hustle
With 13 options, here's how to choose without getting overwhelmed:
If you need money ASAP: Virtual assistant work or customer service. Fastest path to actual income.
If you want to build skills: Social media management or graphic design. These will be useful forever.
If you're organized and detail-oriented:I am interested in data entry, research, or Pinterest management.
If you like writing: Blog posts or product descriptions.
If you're creative: Graphic design, print-on-demand, or digital templates.
If you want "set it and forget it" income: Online courses or affiliate marketing.
My advice: Pick ONE and stick with it for at least a month before trying something else.
Getting Started Without Screwing It Up
Don't spend money on courses or tools first. Use free resources and start making money before investing in anything.
Apply even if you don't feel qualified. Most online jobs are looking for reliable people who can follow directions, not experts.
Start small and build up. Better to do amazing work for one client than mediocre work for five.
Be professional but human. Respond to messages promptly, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly.
Track everything. Keep records of what you're making, what's working, and what isn't.
Mistakes That Keep Beginners Broke
Trying to learn everything before starting. You'll learn way more by actually doing the work than by watching tutorials.
Competing only on price. Don't be the cheapest option—be the most reliable and easiest to work with.
I am not following up. Most people give up after one email. Follow up (politely), and you'll stand out.
I am taking feedback personally. Clients will want changes. It's not personal; it's business.
Quitting too early. Online work usually takes 4-8 weeks to build momentum. Don't give up after a bad week.
What Online Work Actually Looks Like
Let me be real about what to expect:
Income builds slowly. Expect $100-300 your first month, not $1,000. It takes time to build clients and skills.
Some clients are weird. You'll deal with demanding people, unclear instructions, and occasional late payments.
You need discipline. Nobody's making you work. If you need external structure, this might be challenging.
It's not passive income. Despite what Instagram ads say, you still have to show up and do work to make money.
But it's pretty wonderful once you get going. Work in pajamas, set your hours, and often make more than traditional jobs.
Your Week 1 Action Plan
Stop overthinking and start doing:
Monday: Pick ONE online side hustle from this list. Just one.
Tuesday: Research what people charge. Check Upwork, Fiverr, or relevant Facebook groups.
Wednesday: Set up basic stuff—a professional email and a simple portfolio or website.
Thursday: Create 1-2 examples of your work or apply for 3-5 jobs.
Friday: Follow up on applications and keep applying.
Weekend: Do your first project, even if it's just $20.
Goal: Make your first dollar online by the end of the week.
The Bottom Line
Here's what I wish someone had told me when I was scrolling through work-from-home articles at 1 AM: making money online isn't magic, and it's not just for tech people or influencers.
It's about finding tasks that need to be done and being willing to do them consistently and well. That's it.
The people making good money online aren't necessarily smarter or more talented. They just started before they felt ready and kept going when it got boring or frustrating.
You don't need a business degree or years of experience. You need basic communication skills, the ability to follow directions, and the willingness to learn as you go.
Your homework:
- Pick one thing from this list.
- Apply for your first job or contact your first potential client this week.
- Start working, even if it's small.
Don't wait until you feel completely ready. Don't spend weeks "researching" and "learning." Just pick something and start.
The internet is full of opportunities for people who show up and do what they say they'll do. The question isn't whether you can make money online—it's whether you'll actually start.
Ready to scale up? Check out our guides on making $1,000+ monthly and time management for side hustlers.
