The world of online marketing is expansive. There are numerous platforms, methods, and tactics to keep track of. It can be difficult to know where to start and what is the best fit for your niche. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best online venues for making money. Each one is suitable for creating a sales funnel (and some are even capable of generating revenue itself). Keep reading to learn more about each option.
CPA (Cost Per Action)
CPA or cost per action marketing is the most frequently used online marketing method. Essentially, you’ll pay for each action taken (e.g., lead, click, or form submission). The upside is you don’t need to actively promote the product to make money – the vendor handles that process for you. Downsides include high costs and the inability to measure results accurately. Still, CPA is a popular choice among online marketers because it’s so easy to get started with and lucrative when performed correctly. This type of online marketing usually requires little to no budgeting (provided you’re using a reputable vendor).
PPC (Pay Per Click)
Instead of paying for each action taken, you’ll pay per click (or impression). This is similar to paying for each click on a traditional paid search ad. The downside is you’ll need a budget for each click you make (think: CPA with a click budget). The advantage is you can target specific phrases and words and ensure you’re reaching only those who are most likely to be interested in your product or service.
Social Media Marketing (SMM)
SMM or social media marketing is all the rage these days. Essentially, you’ll use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to spread the word about your products and engage with potential customers.
The most popular and free social platforms make it easy for anyone to get started. All you need is a profile, a presence, and a handful of posts. These platforms are more than capable of taking your Facebook page and turning it into a moneymaking machine. You’ll simply need to enter your email address to begin monetizing your page. Just remember that these platforms are crowded, so it’s important to get creative with your content to stand out.
Display Advertising
If you feel like you’re missing out on potential customers because you don’t have enough room to spread the word about your product or service, consider display advertising. Essentially, you’ll purchase ads that appear in the sidebar of a blog or on a web page. You’ll need a budget for this type of online marketing, but you can easily track its effectiveness. The upside is it’s a highly targeted method of reaching potential customers (assuming you’re using reputable vendors). The downside is you’ll need to keep up with all the costs (prices may vary based on the size of your advertising campaign). This kind of online marketing is ideal for someone looking for quick wins.
Affiliate Marketing
If you’re looking for a longer-term income source, consider affiliate marketing. You’ll be placed in an affiliate network that earns a commission when a customer clicks a monetized link or buys a product that’s promoted on your blog.
The key to making money as an affiliate marketer is to build a substantial and engaged audience. Once you’ve done that, promoting products that are relevant to your niche will be much easier. You’ll also need to make sure you’re disclosing your affiliation in every relevant place (blog posts, social media).
E-commerce/Online Store
If you’re into e-commerce and want to sell your own products online, you’ve got several options. To begin, you can create a simple e-commerce store with Shopify. This is a fully customizable platform whose interface is easy to use. You can also choose from a variety of e-commerce themes that will give your store a professional look.
Shopify also integrates with services like Stripe and PayPal to take care of the transaction processing. With your own e-commerce store, you’ll have the flexibility to accept payments in any way (Bitcoin, PayPal, etc.) that suits your needs.
Content Marketing
Content marketing is all the rage these days. Essentially, you’ll create content that is useful and engaging enough to generate interest and build a following. As a content marketer, you’ll need to establish yourself as an expert in your chosen field (e.g., diet, fitness, social media, finances, etc.) In order to gain credibility, you’ll need to create and curate relevant content that is regularly and consistently published.
Once you’ve established a content schedule and a following, promoting relevant and expertly curated content will be much easier. People will naturally flock to you because of your established reputation – you’ll have to actively promote your content, but the work will be worth it.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make money online, you’ve come to the right place. Each one of these methods is capable of generating a profit for its users. Just remember to do your research and choose a reputable platform. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of digital marketing without worry.