Top 10 Ways to Make Money Online: Your Phone is the Key

Ready to learn how to make money online? Your smartphone is the first step toward interesting and flexible revenue options. Whether seeking extra cash or a full-time digital career, these 10 proven strategies will get you started.

1. Smart Investing: The Power of Compounding Returns

Investing offers a powerful path to building wealth, but it’s crucial to approach it strategically. Here’s how to make smart investing work for you, allowing the power of compounding to work its magic over time.

• The Foundations of Smart Investing

  • Assets 101: Stocks (shares of ownership in a company), bonds (loans to companies or governments), and ETFs (baskets of stocks or bonds) are the core building blocks.
  • Risk Tolerance: How much potential loss are you comfortable with? This changes over time and with your financial goals.
  • Time Horizon: When do you need the money? Investing is best for goals 5+ years away.

• Investing Made Simple: User-Friendly Apps

  • Democratizing Finance: Apps like Robinhood and Acorns offer commission-free trades, fractional shares (buying portions of a stock), and automated investing tools.
  • Beginner Education: Many apps provide articles, explainers, and even virtual advisors to help you build your financial knowledge.
  • Important Note: While accessible, these apps still require you to make smart investment decisions based on your goals.

• The Long Game: Compounding Works Wonders

  • The Magic of Reinvestment: When your initial investment generates returns, those returns then earn returns themselves, creating a snowball effect.
  • Time is Your Friend: The longer you stay invested, the more compounding works for you. Even modest investments can grow significantly over decades.
  • Resisting FOMO: Don’t get caught up in short-term market fluctuations or hot stock tips. Steady, diversified investing wins out.

Key Points to Consider

• Never Invest Money You Need Soon: The market has ups and downs. Emergency funds belong in a safe savings account, not stocks.
• Research is Key: Don’t buy stocks because they’re popular. Understand the company and its prospects. Learn more about stock market basics for beginners.
• Diversification is Protection: Spreading your investments across different assets reduces risk.

How to Make Money Online Through Smart Investing: A Practical Example

Assume you invest $200 each month in an index fund (an ETF) with a historical yearly return of 8%. Compounded profits might cause that investment to increase to more than $100,000 over the next two decades.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing usually involves some degree of risk.

2. Sell Your Photos and Earn from Your Artistic Eye

If you enjoy photographing the world around you, you may convert those photographs into a profitable side business or perhaps a full-time profession. Here’s how you can improve your photography talents and market them for profit:

• Hone Your Craft: Beyond the Click

  • Composition Matters: Learn the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other techniques to create visually striking images.
  • Lighting is Everything: Study how natural and artificial light shapes your photos. Experiment with different times of day and light sources.
  • Editing Essentials: Basic editing software (even free apps) can enhance color, contrast, and crop images for maximum appeal. Don’t over-edit!

• Stock Photo Websites: Your Digital Marketplace

  • The Big Players: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, iStockphoto, and others offer vast audiences of potential buyers.
  • Submission Guidelines: Each site has quality standards. Study them carefully before uploading them to avoid rejection.
  • Keyword Power: Descriptive keywords make your photos findable. Think like a buyer – what would they search for?

• Find Your Niche: Stand Out from the Crowd

  • Specialize: Focus on a specific genre (food, travel, pets, abstract textures) to build expertise and attract a dedicated audience.
  • Local Flavor: Licensing images of your city or region can be in demand for websites and businesses.
  • Trends Matter: Research current visual trends to see if your style aligns with what buyers want.

How to Make Money Online with Your Photos: Practical Tips

• Volume is Key: The more quality photos you upload, the greater your visibility and earning potential. As your photography side hustle grows, consider reinvesting a portion of your income back into your craft. If a camera phone upgrade is on your radar, our guide on the best camera phones in 2024 can help you make an informed decision.
• Pricing is Subjective: Stock photos typically earn small royalties per download. It’s a numbers game!
  • Understanding Royalties: Don’t expect to get rich per photo sale. You’ll likely earn cents, maybe a few dollars, each time someone licenses your image.
  • It Adds Up: The more photos you have, the more potential ‘wins.’ Consistent uploads increase your overall earning potential.
  • Pricing Tiers: Some stock photo sites offer different licensing options (personal use vs. commercial) that can affect your royalty amount.
• Expanding Your Market: Consider selling prints or even merchandise featuring your photos on platforms like Etsy or Society6. Check out these tips on building a successful creative business.
  • Beyond Stock: Turn your best work into tangible products that people can proudly display.
  • Print-on-Demand Power: Sites like these handle production and shipping – you focus on design and marketing.
  • Creative Options: Mugs, phone cases, tote bags, wall art… your photos can become many things!
  • Brand Building: Seeing your imagery on physical products strengthens your brand as a photographer.

Important Notes

• Copyright is Yours: Stock photo sites buy a license to use your image, and you retain ownership.
• Model/Property Releases: These may be needed in some cases if you photograph recognizable people or private property.

Get Inspired: Explore the stock photo sites mentioned to see what’s selling well and inspire your photography journey. Your phone camera is the gateway to make money online from your creativity!

3. Reselling: Unlocking the Profit Potential of Used Goods

The adage “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” rings especially true in the world of online reselling. Here’s how to tap into the vast secondhand market and generate income from items you no longer need:

• Declutter and Profit: Finding Reselling Gold

  • Hidden Value: Don’t just toss out those clothes that don’t fit or the tech you’ve upgraded. High-demand categories include clothing, electronics, toys, collectibles, and home goods.
  • Condition is King: Gently used items with minor flaws are still sellable. Thoroughly clean and repair anything you can before listing.
  • Brands Matter: Designer labels or popular brands fetch higher prices. Do some quick research to see if your items fall into those categories.

• Reselling Platforms: Choose Your Marketplace

  • The Giants: eBay and Facebook Marketplace offer massive audiences but can mean higher competition. If you’re interested in learning more about selling on Facebook Marketplace, be sure to check out our guide.
  • Niche Markets: Poshmark and Depop are popular for fashion and accessories. Mercari is a good all-rounder.
  • Fees vs. Reach: Compare platform fees and how many potential buyers you’ll access before choosing.

• Pricing Research: Get the Most for Your Items

  • Similar Listings: Search the platform for your item and see what sold recently. Price competitively based on condition.
  • Rarity Factor: If you have something unique or vintage, research can reveal surprising value.
  • Be Flexible: Start a bit higher and be open to offers. Don’t get emotionally attached to items that aren’t selling quickly.

Mastering the Art of the Resell: Additional Tips

• Photography is POWER: Well-lit, clear photos of your item from multiple angles are crucial.
• Descriptions are Key: Be honest about flaws but highlight positives. Include brand, size, etc.
• Customer Service Counts: Respond promptly to questions and ship items quickly to build a positive reputation.

From Side Hustle to Business: Consistent sourcing of in-demand items and excellent seller ratings can turn reselling into a significant income stream.

Important Note: Local thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales can be fantastic sources of inventory to resell for profit!

4. Food Delivery: Flexible Work, Consistent Pay

If you have a car, scooter, or even a bicycle (in some areas), food delivery apps offer a way to earn money on your schedule. Here’s how to maximize your earnings and make the most of this gig opportunity:

• App Options: Choose What Works for You

  • The Major Players: Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub are the biggest names, often offering sign-up bonuses and promotions.
  • Local Options: Smaller, regional apps may exist in your area. Research to see if any offer better pay or less competition.
  • Multiple Apps: Many drivers work for several apps simultaneously, switching between them to maximize delivery opportunities.

• Efficiency is Key: Maximize Your Earnings

  • Know Your Area: Learn the fastest routes and where restaurants tend to cluster to minimize downtime between orders.
  • Peak Pay: Lunch, dinner, and weekends are prime times for earning. Schedule your shifts accordingly if possible.
  • Stack Orders: Some apps allow you to accept multiple deliveries at once for a significant income boost.

• Customer Service Boost: Friendliness Pays Off

  • Prompt and Professional: Being on time and communicating with the customer builds trust.
  • Handle Issues Gracefully: Wrong orders or delays happen. Keeping the customer updated and being solution-oriented shows, that you care.
  • The Power of a Smile: A simple act of kindness can encourage a bigger tip!

Important Considerations

• Vehicle Costs: Factor in gas, maintenance, and potential wear on your vehicle.
• Taxes: Delivery income is taxable. Track your mileage and expenses to deduct them.
• Safety First: Be aware of your surroundings, especially if delivering at night.

From Side Income to Sustainable Gig: Food delivery offers flexibility and consistent earning potential. With dedication and smart strategies, you can turn it into a significant chunk of your online income.

5. YouTube Stardom: Share Your Expertise

YouTube is more than just entertainment; it’s a platform to share your knowledge, passions, and talents with a global audience. Here’s how to turn your creativity into a potentially lucrative online venture:

• Unique Content is Key: Find Your Niche

  • What Do You Love? Gaming, cooking, beauty tutorials, DIY projects, life advice… the possibilities are endless. Choose something you’re genuinely passionate about.
  • What’s Your Expertise? Are you a skilled teacher, a hilarious comedian, or a tech whiz? Tap into what sets you apart.
  • Research the Competition: See what’s already out there, but don’t be afraid to put your unique spin on an existing niche.

• Invest in Quality: Elevate Your Production

  • Decent Doesn’t Mean Expensive: Modern smartphones are capable of great video. But a simple tripod and ring light make a big difference.
  • Sound Matters: Even a budget microphone significantly improves audio over your phone’s built-in mic.
  • Editing Skills: Free editing software can help you polish your videos. Learn basic transitions, color correction, and how to cut out awkward silences. For those interested in exploring different software options, check out our list of the 25 Best Video Editing Software for YouTube Beginners.

• Audience Building: Promotion is Essential

  • Social Media Power: Share your videos across every relevant platform (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc.) with engaging captions and calls to action.
  • Engage with Viewers: Respond to comments, take video requests, and foster a sense of community.
  • Collaborate: Partner with other YouTubers in your niche for cross-promotion and exposure to a new audience.

How to Make Money Online with YouTube

• The Long Game: Building a substantial following takes time and consistency. Don’t get discouraged by slow initial growth.
• YouTube Partner Program: Once you reach specific subscriber and viewership milestones, you can monetize with ads.
• Beyond Ads: Brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling your products or courses can become lucrative income sources as your audience grows.

Important Note: Create videos you enjoy making. Your authentic passion will shine through and attract the right viewers!

6. Freelance Your Skills: Get Paid for What You’re Good At

The rise of the gig economy has made it easier than ever to monetize your talents on a flexible basis. If you have marketable skills, freelancing could be your path to making money online and location independence.

• Identify Your Talents: What Can You Offer?

  • Hard Skills: Writing, editing, graphic design, web development, accounting, translation, data analysis, marketing… the list goes on!
  • Soft Skills: Organization, time management, communication, and problem-solving are highly valued by clients.
  • Don’t Underestimate Yourself: Even hobbies or life experiences can translate into paying freelance gigs.

• Freelance Platforms: Your Digital Storefront

  • The Big Three: Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com offer a massive pool of potential clients.
  • Niche Platforms: Specialized sites exist for writers, designers, developers, etc. They can mean less competition.
  • Profile Power: Treat your profile like a resume. Highlight your skills, experience, and niche.

• Build a Portfolio: Proof of Your Expertise

  • No Clients Yet? Create sample projects to showcase your abilities. “Redesigning” a popular website or writing a mock blog post works.
  • Quality over Quantity: A few excellent portfolio pieces are more impressive than a bunch of mediocre ones.
  • Testimonials Matter: Even if it’s volunteer work, positive feedback from previous clients adds credibility.

Tips for Freelance Success

• Set Realistic Rates: Research industry standards and don’t undervalue yourself.
• Communication is Key: Be clear about project scope, deadlines, and expectations.
• Underpromise, Overdeliver: Impressing clients leads to repeat business and referrals.
• Treat It Like a Business: Track income, and expenses, and set aside money for taxes.

The Freedom of Freelancing: With hard work and strategic marketing, you can build a freelance career that lets you work from anywhere, choose your clients, and earn a great living.

7. Online Surveys: Your Opinion Matters (and Earns You Cash)

While online surveys won’t replace your day job, they offer a legitimate way to make money online in your spare time. Here’s what you need to know:

• Legitimate Sites: Stick to the Reputable Players

  • Tried and True: Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars have a history of paying users for completed surveys.
  • Do Your Research: Check reviews on sites like Trustpilot before signing up for a lesser-known survey website.
  • Red Flags: Promises of huge payouts or requests for upfront payments are signs of a scam.

• Realistic Expectations: It’s Supplemental Income

  • Hourly Rate Varies: You might earn a few cents for a quick survey, or several dollars for a longer one.
  • Pocket Money, Not Paychecks: Think of this as a way to fund a coffee habit or treat yourself to a movie, not your primary income stream.
  • Time Investment Counts: The more surveys you do, the more potential earnings, but it can be time-consuming.

• Maximize Earnings: Smart Survey Strategies

  • Complete Your Profile: Detailed demographics help match you with more (and higher-paying) surveys.
  • Consistency is Key: Check the sites daily for new survey opportunities.
  • Be Honest: Inconsistent answers may get you disqualified or banned from sites.
  • Cashout Options: Some sites offer gift cards or merchandise as well as direct PayPal payments. Choose what works for you.

Important Notes:

• Disqualifications Happen: You may start a survey only to be told you don’t qualify partway through. It’s frustrating but part of the process.
• Patience Pays Off: Reaching the minimum cash-out threshold can take time.

The Bottom Line: If you have some free time and want an easy way to make money online, surveys can be worthwhile. Just don’t expect to get rich quickly!

8. Become a Virtual Assistant: Remote Work with Flexibility

Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and individuals remotely. If you’re organized, reliable, and love the idea of flexible work, this could be your online income path.

• Essential Skills: Your VA Toolkit

  • Organization is Paramount: Managing schedules, projects, and client information requires meticulous attention to detail.
  • Communication is Queen: Clear and professional written and verbal communication with clients is a must.
  • Tech Savviness: Proficiency with email, productivity software (Google Suite, etc.), and being a quick learner with new tools is crucial.
  • Bonus Skills: Specializations in social media management, bookkeeping, website design, etc., command higher rates.

• Finding Clients: Where to Market Your Services

  • General Job Boards: Indeed, LinkedIn, and remote-specific sites often list VA positions.
  • VA-Specific Platforms: Sites like Upwork, Fancy Hands, and Virtual Assistant Jobs connect you directly with clients seeking VA support.
  • Networking Power: Tap into your professional circle, online communities, and even social media to find potential clients.

• Growth Potential: From Freelancer to Agency Owner

  • Reputation is Your Resume: Delivering excellent work leads to positive reviews, referrals, and the ability to charge more.
  • Streamline and Scale: As you gain clients, you can systematize processes and potentially hire other VAs to expand your reach.
  • Niching Down: Specializing in a service (e.g., only real estate VAs) can help you become an in-demand expert.

Typical VA Tasks

• Email Management
• Calendar Scheduling
• Travel and Event Booking
• Data Entry and Research
• Social Media Management
• Customer Support
• Content Creation
• …and much more!

The Perks of Going Virtual

• Location Independence: Work from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere with a good internet connection.
• Flexibility: Often, you can set your hours (though client deadlines must be met).
• Income Potential: Experienced VAs with in-demand skills can earn a significant income.

Important Note: Even as a VA, you’re running a business. Track your time, and expenses, and handle the legal/tax aspects professionally.

9. Affiliate Marketing: Promote and Earn

Affiliate marketing empowers you to earn commissions by recommending products or services you love. It’s the digital evolution of word-of-mouth marketing! Here’s how it works:

• Find Your Niche: Authenticity Sells

  • Passion Alignment: Choose a focus that you’re genuinely excited about (tech, beauty, fitness, parenting, etc.).
  • Problem Solving: What products or services help solve a problem your audience has?
  • Don’t be Too Broad: Niching down (e.g., sustainable fashion instead of just fashion) makes building trust easier.

• Affiliate Programs: Your Source of Links

  • Big Networks: Amazon Associates, CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, etc., offer a vast array of products across different niches.
  • Individual Brands: Many companies run their affiliate programs. These can offer higher commissions but require separate applications.
  • Choose Wisely: Research the program’s commission rates, cookie duration (how long you get credit for a sale), and reputation.

• Content is King: Strategic Promotion

  • Blog Posts: In-depth reviews, best-of lists, and tutorials naturally incorporate affiliate links.
  • Videos: Product demos, comparisons, and “unboxing” videos work well on YouTube or platforms like TikTok.
  • Social Media: Share favorite finds, and deals, and integrate affiliate links organically (use platform-specific rules).
  • Build an Email List: Nurture your audience with valuable content and promotions.

Keys to Affiliate Marketing Success

• Trust is Everything: Don’t promote products you don’t genuinely believe in.
• Disclosure is a Must: Be transparent with your audience about using affiliate links.
• Patience Pays: Building an audience and consistent sales takes time and effort.
• Focus on Value: Provide helpful information, not just hard sells. People buy from those they know, like, and trust.

Important Notes:

• Traffic is Crucial: You need a way to attract people to your content (website, social media, etc.).
• SEO Know-How Helps: Learning how to get your content to rank in search engines is a huge advantage.

The Bottom Line: Affiliate Marketing can be a fantastic way to make money online while sharing products you love. Success requires choosing the right niche, building an engaged audience, and providing helpful, authentic content.

10. Create and Sell Online Courses: Share Your Knowledge, Build Income

If you have valuable knowledge or a teachable skill, packaging it into an online course can open up a lucrative revenue stream while helping others learn and grow. Here’s what you need to know:

• Teach What You Know: Tap into Your Potential

  • No Topic Too Small: Guitar playing, spreadsheet mastery, language basics, home décor tips… anything can be taught!
  • Problem-solving Focus: What pain point can you help people overcome with your knowledge?
  • Your Background Matters: Formal qualifications aren’t always needed. Passion and clear instruction are key.

• Course Platforms: Your Digital Classroom

  • Accessible Marketplaces: Udemy, Teachable, Skillshare, and Thinkific offer easy course creation tools and a built-in student base.
  • Control vs. Reach: Research platform pricing, content ownership rules, and audience size before choosing.
  • DIY Option: Your website offers maximum control but requires more marketing effort and tech skills.

• Marketing Matters: Don’t Build It and Assume They’ll Come

  • Know Your Audience: Who is your ideal student? This informs every step of marketing.
  • Build Excitement: A pre-launch drip campaign with sneak peeks builds interest.
  • Content is Your Leverage: Offer value with free blog posts, videos, or webinars to showcase your expertise and draw students in.
  • Pricing Power: Tiered pricing options (basic, premium, etc.) can appeal to different budgets.

Creating High-Quality Content

• Structure is Key: Break your topic into digestible modules and lessons.
• Mix It Up: Video, text, worksheets, and quizzes keep things engaging.
• Production Doesn’t Need to Be Fancy: A good smartphone and decent mic can go a long way.
• Community Matters: Facilitate student discussions for enhanced learning and loyalty.

The Potential of Online Courses

• Passive Income (Sort Of): Once created, the course earns while you sleep… though marketing and updates are ongoing.
• Global Impact: Share your knowledge far beyond your local network.
• Build Your Brand: Successful courses establish you as an authority in your niche.

Important Note: Creating an excellent course takes significant time and effort. Don’t be fooled by promises of overnight riches!

Your Phone: The Key to Make Money Online

Think your smartphone is just for scrolling and selfies? Think again! These strategies prove that the device in your pocket has the potential to change your financial life. Here’s the key takeaway:

• Opportunity is Everywhere: From snapping salable photos to becoming a food delivery driver, your phone unlocks possibilities to learn how to make money online.
• Side Hustle to Full-Time: Many of these methods can start small and scale up with dedication.
• Diverse Options: Whether you’re creative, tech-savvy, or just love helping others, there’s a way to monetize your skills, and passions, and make extra cash online.
• Effort = Reward: Like anything in life, achieving consistent online income takes work and persistence.

Don’t underestimate the power of your phone. Choose a strategy (or two!) that resonates with you and start exploring. You might be surprised at the income potential waiting to be unlocked right at your fingertips and all the new ways you’ll discover how to make money online.