How to Make a Living Online
There a few ways to make a living online: offering quality services, selling products, or becoming a content creator.
Making a living online is not easy, but is possible. The following ideas are addressed to our readers from Africa, based in Nigeria, Ghana and Niger, but they can be applied anywhere else.
We are going to stick to clean, professional methods, leaving aside those that could get you in trouble.
No wahala.
Make a Living Online by Offering Services
The quickest, and safest way of making a living online is by offering in-person or digital services.
For that, you need to learn some basics about the service you are going to offer. And of course, the more you learn, the more you earn. Let's start with the basics.
Services That Require Basic Education
| Services | Knowledge Required | Average Earning |
|---|---|---|
| Online Data Entry | Basic computer skills | $8 - $15 per hour |
| Virtual Assistant | Basic administrative tasks | $10 - $20 per hour |
| Social Media Manager | Familiarity with social platforms | $15 - $25 per hour |
| Content Moderation | Basic internet/language skills | $10 - $18 per hour |
| Online Survey Taker | Basic internet navigation | Varies |
| Remote Customer Support | Good communication skills | $12 - $20 per hour |
| Transcriptionist | Good listening/typing skills | $15 - $25 per hour |
| Online Tutor (Basic Subjects) | Proficiency in a subject | $10 - $25 per hour |
| Freelance Writer | Basic writing skills | $20 - $50 per article |
Services That Require Intermediate Education
| Services | Knowledge Required | Average Earning |
|---|---|---|
| Web Development | Basic programming languages, web technologies, AI user | $25 - $60 per hour |
| Graphic Design | Design software, visual composition | $20 - $50 per hour |
| Online Marketing Specialist | Digital marketing strategies, SEO, SEM | $25 - $60 per hour |
| Language Translation | Bilingual proficiency, cultural understanding | $15 - $40 per hour |
| Video Editing | Video editing software, storytelling | $20 - $45 per hour |
| Online Course Instructor | Expertise in a subject, teaching skills | $30 - $70 per hour |
| Virtual Consulting | Professional expertise in a specific field | $40 - $100+ per hour |
| Freelance Content Creator | Specialized knowledge in a niche | $30 - $70 per article |
| Online Business Coach | Business acumen, coaching skills | $50 - $150+ per hour |
Services That Require High Education
| Services | Knowledge Required | Average Earning |
|---|---|---|
| Online Consulting (Specialized) | Advanced degree and expertise in a field | $100 - $300+ per hour |
| Professional Online Training | Advanced subject knowledge, teaching skills | $60 - $150+ per hour |
| Medical Teleconsultation | Medical degree and licensure | $150 - $500+ per consultation |
| Legal Advisory Services | Law degree and relevant expertise | $100 - $300+ per hour |
| Financial Planning Consultation | Financial expertise and certifications | $80 - $250+ per hour |
| Academic Online Tutoring (Advanced) | Advanced knowledge in a subject area | $50 - $120+ per hour |
| Software Development Consultation | Advanced programming knowledge | $80 - $200+ per hour |
| Online Research Services | Research skills and academic expertise | $40 - $100+ per hour |
| Scientific Writing and Editing | Advanced knowledge in scientific field | $50 - $150+ per hour |
Considerations about Services
Note that if you don't have a degree, title or certificate, you may not be able to exercise these activities on the internet, as you may be doing something illegal. Also, check the Law's countries, even if you have a title, as it may not be a valid title overseas.
Most of the basic tasks are now performed by automatized tools and apps. If you are going to make use of AI as a tool to offer services, consider reviewing manually the job as it may not be as good as if it's human-made.
Also, in order to get your first customers you may need to talk to people you already know. You want to offer them services, and don't loose the chance to gain some reviews too.
Making a Living by Selling Products
Creating an e-commerce, or online shop, involves huge amount of work, energy and resources, but it may pay off well within time.
What you can sell on your online shop depends on your country and the laws.
Remember that when it comes to selling on the internet, there are some associated costs: the goods, or the cost of creating them, as well as storage, and logistics.
E-commerce Ideas: Low Difficulty
| E-commerce Ideas | Potential Profit Range |
|---|---|
| Handmade Crafts | $20 - $100 per item |
| Local Foods and Snacks | $50 - $300 per month |
| Beauty and Skincare Products | $30 - $150 per product |
| Agricultural Products | $50 - $200 per product |
| Online Courses | $100 - $500 per course |
| Local Art and Craft Market | $20 - $150 per item |
| Secondhand Items | $10 - $50 per item |
| Subscription Boxes | $30 - $100 per box |
| Health and Wellness Products | $20 - $80 per product |
| Pet Accessories | $10 - $50 per item |
E-commerce Ideas: Medium Difficulty
| E-commerce Ideas | Potential Profit Range |
|---|---|
| Customized Clothing | $30 - $100 per item |
| Handmade Jewelry | $20 - $150 per item |
| Home and Living Products | $20 - $200 per product |
| Niche Electronics Accessories | $20 - $80 per item |
| Personalized Gifts | $15 - $70 per item |
| Small Appliances | $50 - $300 per product |
| Fashion Accessories | $15 - $80 per item |
| Niche Books and Publications | $10 - $50 per item |
| Unique Home Decor | $30 - $150 per item |
| Specialty Foods and Beverages | $20 - $100 per product |
E-commerce Ideas: High Difficulty
| E-commerce Ideas | Potential Profit Range |
|---|---|
| Custom Luxury Fashion | $300 - $1000+ per item |
| High-End Handcrafted Jewelry | $200 - $800+ per item |
| Art and Collectibles | $500 - $5000+ per piece |
| Customized Electronics | $300 - $1000+ per item |
| Exquisite Home Decor | $200 - $1000+ per item |
| Exclusive Subscription Services | $100 - $500+ per month |
| Personalized Luxury Gifts | $100 - $500+ per item |
| Premium Health and Wellness Products | $50 - $300+ per product |
| Handmade Furniture | $500 - $5000+ per piece |
| High-End Food and Beverages | $50 - $200+ per product |
The ideas presented in the table are considered highly difficult because you need specialization: knowledge, skills and resources.
Considerations About E-Commerce
The goal of this article is not to expand on every topic we talk about, but just think of the following terms, as you may need then sooner or later in managing your online shop: market research, product demand, niche selection, quality and authenticity, sourcing, unique selling proposition (USP), pricing strategy, profit margins, branding and packaging, regulations and compliance, platform selection, multichannel selling, marketing and promotion, customer service, feedback and adaptation, inventory management, scaling considerations, and long-term viability.
If you honestly have no idea of what you just read, please, get informed, study, and receive specific education for opening an e-commerce.
"Nobody said it was easy" - The Scientist by Coldplay
Make a Living Online By Creating Content
| Content | Platform | Profit Range | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog Posts | Personal Blog, Guest Blogging | $20 - $200 per post | Low |
| YouTube Videos | YouTube | $100 - $1000+ per video (Ad revenue, sponsorships) | Medium |
| Podcasts | Podcast Hosting Platforms | $50 - $500+ per episode (Sponsorships, Patreon) | Medium |
| Online Courses | Udemy, Coursera, Teachable | $20 - $200 per course | High |
| Ebooks | Amazon Kindle, Self-Publishing Platforms | $5 - $50 per sale | Medium |
| Photography | Stock Photo Websites, Instagram | $0.25 - $10+ per photo (Royalties, licensing) | Low |
| Graphic Design | Fiverr, Upwork, Etsy | $10 - $100+ per design | Medium |
| Webcomics | Webcomic Platforms | $5 - $50+ per comic (Patreon, merchandise) | Medium |
| Writing (Freelance) | Freelance Platforms, Content Mills | $0.01 - $0.20+ per word | Low |
| Social Media Content | Instagram, TikTok, Twitter | $10 - $100+ per post (Sponsorships, brand collaborations) | Low |
As you can see, there's a wide range of different ways to make money online, and we hope you find your way of living among these options.
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