This year is going to be a big one for online money-making opportunities. Between the booming world of e-commerce and the rise of online marketplaces, there are unlimited ways to earn money online. It’s quite an open secret that many big businesses operate solely online, and to maintain their level of efficiency, they need people to keep the wheels turning. With more people joining the online workforce than ever before, opportunities to make some extra income are almost at our fingertips.
There’s no denying that the world of online jobs is growing, and fast. If you’re looking to get involved in a way that’ll allow you to generate some extra cash on the side, the following are some of the best ways to make money online in 2012.
Start A YouTube Channel
If you’ve got a decent amount of content on your smartphone, you should look into turning it into a YouTube video. You can then use the platform to showcase your work, whether you’re an artist, a photographer, a designer, or anything else. You can even use the platform to showcase how-to videos on a variety of topics, like blogging, design, or marketing.
However, if the thought of creating content for a digital audience intimidates you, there are plenty of ways to make money online without becoming a YouTube star.
Join A Test-Driving Platform
Another way to generate income is through a test-driving platform similar to Survey Junkie or Swagbucks. Essentially, you get paid to take surveys online, where you’ll get to try out new products and offers from brands. You can then decide whether or not you want to become a full-time product tester for those companies, or just make a few extra bucks from home.
If you’re looking for a way to make a little money online without having to sell your own goods, testing products is a great option. With the right profile and some targeted searches, you can make fairly good money from home without having to invest too much in expensive equipment.
Take Advantage Of Ebay’s Growth
One of the biggest successes this year on the world of online money-making will be the platform named eBay. The ecommerce giant recently reached a billion annual active users, with the potential to grow that figure even higher. With that kind of traction, you can bet that eBay is going to keep finding ways to make money online.
Whether you’re a seller or a buyer, you can take advantage of the platform’s growth through various ways, like displaying your goods for sale or buying the right products. As a seller, you can use the platform to list your items for sale at home or in your local town, and connect with potential buyers.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of the growth of an already established platform, you can start with a small listing and then gradually grow your business as you learn the ropes.
Make Money As A Transcriptionist
If you’re a quick typer, you might consider doing some online transcription for cash. You’ll simply need to listen to audio files and then type out what you hear. You get paid per piece, so the faster you can type, the better, as you will earn more money. Rev.com, GoTranscript, TranscribeMe, and Nomad List are just a few of the places you can find online transcription work.
As a completely online-based business, you’ll need a microphone connected to your computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a quiet place to work.
Become A Social Media Influencer
If you’ve got a sizable social media following, you can consider using it to your advantage to make some extra cash. For example, if you’ve got a large audience on Twitter, you can start a conversation with your followers by sharing tips and tricks on any topic of interest. Many big brands are willing to pay big bucks for the right influencers, so be sure to connect with these brands’ social media managers directly to get your foot in the door.
If you can use social media to grow and develop your own following, you can then use that audience to drive additional traffic to your blog or website. With the right content and some targeted SEO, you can drive a significant amount of traffic to your site, and ultimately earn a commission when someone makes a purchase or signs up for a trial offer.
There are a variety of ways to make money online, and the following are just some of the best opportunities. Be sure to explore each of these avenues thoroughly, determine which one makes the most sense for you, and then start your journey to financial freedom.