Everything You Need to Know about How to Make Money Online

After receiving a number of emails from people each week asking me how to start their own business or if I was hiring, I started blogging about my home business journey as a one-stop shop for those seeking help.

Whether you are looking for home business ideas, marketing information or how to earn an income from blogging, you will find it on The Work at Home Wife. I aim to provide valuable information about how to make money from home, tools of the trade and how to reach those goals that will provide you with the means to earn a living online without having to live online.

I invite you to join me as my journey continues. Every moment of working at home is a learning process. The online world changes daily. I try to keep my readers up to date. 

Regardless of where you are in your journey of trying to learn more about how to make money online, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed and maybe even a little confused. Maybe you have run across hundreds of options to choose from, or maybe you have even found a few people telling you there is only one path to real success.

I have been making money online since 2007. I started researching my options long before that. You have hundreds of legitimate options to choose from. Some may require an investment. Some you may be able to start for free. Some opportunities may be working for a big company. In some, you may be working for yourself.

On this page, I want to break down some of your options into a more easy-to-process manner. I’ll give you a short introduction and then a list of links to other posts I have written where you can learn more about the topic.

The most important thing you can do for yourself while learning how to make money online and from home is to take action. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in learning that you never make the first move towards making your dreams come true. Educate yourself, but take action on what you have learned.

There are so many reasons people choose to work from home:

• A more flexible schedule to allow for taking care of children or aging parents
• Being able to travel
• The opportunity to create an income you desire regardless of your experience or education
• Save money on childcare
• More independence to work on projects that are important to you
• A more flexible schedule that allows for volunteer work
• No more office politics
• The ability to work with your internal creative clock instead of against it
• No more commute time

When it comes to landing - and keeping - a work-at-home job, there are a few basic tools you should definitely have in your bag. Here are my top picks:

A quality computer and other hardware.

If you want to work from home, you need to have a computer - and a few other things too. When you first start out as a remote worker, you may not have a lot of capital to pour into buying the latest hardware. That’s okay; just make sure that you buy smart.

Think about the type of jobs you hope to land - unless you’re a graphic designer, you probably don’t need the snazziest iMac or MacBook around. Purchase a new or refurbished computer that will last you for some years and has sufficient specs to keep up with changes in office suite software and Internet-based apps.

​Some work-at-home jobs, like customer service, will have a list of equipment requirements that need to be met. This is to ensure you have a stable and secure connection when processing customer requests. Other jobs, like freelance writing, may have no equipment or internet speed requirements at all. You can literally do your job anywhere anytime. 

If you are looking into the steady paycheck of customer service, this is a typical requirements list. Each company is different, so please refer to the individual listing for that company's requirements.

*A desktop or laptop less than 3 years old
*Minimum speed is 2GHz of processing
*Windows operating system, usually Windows 7 or 8. The exception would be Mac-specific positions like Apple At-Home Advisors.
*20 GB free hard disk space
*2 GB of RAM (some companies require up to 8 GB RAM)
*sound and video card
*DSL, Fiber Optic or Cable internet

Read product reviews before you buy. Decide whether a desktop or a laptop is best to suit your needs (Ex. You will likely need a desktop to get a customer service position. On the other end of the spectrum, proofreading can be done on a tablet if necessary.) And, while you’re budgeting for new hardware, don’t forget to factor in a good headset - many remote jobs require them. (To increase your marketability, you can also add a decent mic and an all-in-one printer. Or even a foot pedal if you’re going into transcription.)

A functional self-management system.

Working from home takes a lot of self-discipline. Before you become a remote worker, make sure you have a good system for keeping yourself organized and on task. Use whatever works for you - make a bullet journal, organize your duties on Trello, keep a detailed Google Calendar with Calendly for setting meetings. Just make sure you have a self-management scheme that keeps you going.

A comfortable workspace.

Many work-from-home jobs that you find will require you to sit at your computer for long periods each day. So it’s super important that you have a comfortable space to work! Even if it’s just a comfortable chair pulled up to an old table that’s the right height, or a spot on your couch, put some thoughtfulness for your future self into your home office. Your body will thank you. (Oh, and make sure it’s in a quiet spot!)

There are so many large companies that hire remote workers to work online. We are talking about everyone from small mom-and-pop shops that can’t afford the overhead of office space and health insurance to Fortune 500 companies like Amazon and Apple. (Yes. Those companies actually hire people to work from home!)

The larger the company, the more requirements and prerequisites they likely have in place. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Even though you may need a newer computer, they may be offer health insurance and a full-time schedule. There’s always a trade-off. Know that more scheduling freedom and flexibility and less management oversight may mean lesser pay or no benefits.

Below are some great posts filled with companies that may be looking for you! Some will have a nice mix of industries; others will allow you to dive deep based on your experience and interests.

• 150 Real Work from Home Jobs
• Stay at Home Jobs
• Virtual Assistant Jobs
  
• Online Tutoring Jobs
• Proofreading Jobs
• Search Engine Evaluation
• Nursing Jobs from Home
• Part-Time Work from Home
• Work from Home in Customer Service
  
• Companies with More At-Home Job Openings than Most
• Jobs That Pay Weekly
  
• Work at Home Employee Positions
• Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners
  
• Teach English Online
• Data Entry Jobs from Home
• Jobs for Stay at Home Moms
• Best Work-at-Home Jobs for 2018
• No Fee Work-at-Home Jobs
• Work from Home Jobs: NO Experience Needed
• New Ways to Make Money from Home
• High-Paying Work at Home Jobs

Maybe you don’t want to work for someone else. Maybe you want total control over your schedule and your future. That’s cool too. Home business opportunities are plentiful.

The below list of posts focuses on great business ideas that may require an investment. You may be purchasing a business kit for a replicated business model like Chloe + Isabel or you could be investing in inventory to resell such is the case with Amazon or eBay. Regardless, there is something for everyone.

• Chloe + Isabel
• Selling on Amazon
• Sell Books on Amazon
• How to Make Money on eBay
• Home Business Opportunities
  
• Become a Personal Concierge
• Work from Home Ideas
• Six-Figure Work at Home Jobs
• Direct Sales Companies
• Make Money with Retail Arbitrage
• Home Business Ideas
• Become a Virtual Assistant
• Become a Social Media Manager

This next category is one of my favorites. And, it applies to almost everyone looking for a good side hustle. Why? Because it is something everyone should be doing regardless of whether they are looking for a little something to earn a few pennies during commercial breaks that requires minimal effort or they are looking to create a full-time income from home. These ideas will allow you to maximize your profits with very little time investment.

• Ebates
• Passive Income Ideas
• Sell Photos Online
• Ways to Make Money at Home
• Ibotta Review
• Swagbucks Review
• Apps that Pay You Money
• Get Paid to Watch Videos
• Make $10 a Day Online
• Make Money with mTurk
• Make Money as a DoorDash Delivery Driver

When it comes to ways of making money online, our minds usually head straight to things like customer service for a company such as Amazon or blogging – because that’s what everybody is doing. Right? Well, there are so many options in between that you may be overlooking.

Some of the ideas we are talking about today will allow you to use your knowledge, interests, and experience to make money. Because these are areas you know, it may not take much to get yourself set up for success.

Sell Your Knowledge

Our first overlooked opportunity is selling your knowledge. In this instance, we are talking about creating a course or eBook that you can make available for purchasing online. Because of the automation available today, you may be able to put in the work once when creating your packaged information and then enjoy those checks coming in for months or years to come.

If you are in need of immediate cash, this is a project you will want to start on the side as the return may not be immediate. That being said, this is a passive income idea you should definitely take advantage of. Who doesn’t want to make money while they sleep or travel?

• In a past post, we talked to Darrell Gurney who has had over 1,000 students enroll in his course on Udemy. This is a course he charges $200 to take.
• We have also talked to ladies earning a full-time income selling digital products from travel guides to eBooks on Amazon and e-junkie.

Get Paid for Your Referrals

I love referral and affiliate marketing. It’s where the vast majority of my income comes from these days. Even if you aren’t a blogger, you can get in on the action as well. You can get paid to refer your friends to a wide variety of legitimate services. While there are many companies like StitchFix that will give you store credit for referrals, we are focusing on those that offer cold, hard cash today. Keep in mind, you will need to be signed up for the program yourself to take advantage of the program. But, you shouldn’t be referring people to things you don’t use anyway.

• Ebates has long been one of my favorite services and they offer an awesome referral program. This service pays members cash back on their online purchases – and some in-store purchases now. When you refer your friends, you will earn $5 per person when they make their first purchase of $25 or more. They also offer some stellar bonuses if you can refer a number of people. And, they offer a $10 gift card for new members.
• Ibotta is another great cash back program that your friends may want to join. This one offers rebates on groceries. We all need groceries. You get paid $10 for every two friends you refer. You will also get a $10 bonus when you sign up.
• Swagbucks is a program to consider if your friends and family want to make a little extra cash doing things like surveys or watching videos. You will earn 10% of their earnings once they are on your team. And, you will receive a bonus when you sign up.

If there are programs you use and love, take a look around their website for a referral or affiliate program. You will often find a link at the bottom of the website. Don’t spam your friends. Keep it classy.

Help Others Do What You Do (coaching & consulting)

There are so many ways you can make money helping other people succeed and reach their goals. Depending on your background and education, you may be able to offer services as a business consultant, wellness coach and more.

• The founder of coach.me told us that they have had coaches earn up to $7,000 in just one day. Though that’s likely out of reach unless you have an engaged following already, you may be able to get in on some of their other offerings.

Sell Your Knowledge II (writing)

Maybe you don’t want all of the maintenance that comes with creating and upkeeping courses and eBooks. Maybe you don’t mind writing about your interests, but you just want to be done with it once it’s completed. Don’t worry. You’ve got so many options when it comes to freelance writing and many pay pretty well.

• Here is a list of sites that pay $50 and up for unique articles and blog posts.
• Here are over 200 ways you can get paid to write everything from greeting cards to online ads.
• Shauna Huston shared with us how she makes extra money offering resume writing services on Etsy.
• Holly Johnson shared with us how she earns six-figures writing personal finance articles for websites.

​Get Paid for Your Feedback (usertesting)

Focus groups aren’t your only opportunity to get paid for your feedback. Website testing is also a fan favorite around here. In this position, you are giving your feedback on the usability and overall appeal of a website. This is just a little side gig as there isn’t a ton of work available, but it pays good. Most sites pay $5 to $15 for what usually equates to 20 minutes of work. Sign up with several websites for a better chance at receiving more testing opportunities. You will find a list here.

Now that you know where you want to work, you need to apply. Be aware that the competition for remote positions is high. For every one job opening, there may be hundreds or thousands of applicants. But, don’t let that deter you! You can’t get a job if you don’t submit an application. Plain and simple. No one is going to magically show up on your doorstep offering you a great gig. You have to go get it.

When it comes to looking for jobs, I recommend the following job boards:

• FlexJobs - researching all leads to ensure no scams, no business opportunities, nothing that doesn't have flex potential. 
• Indeed - huge job board, you will need to perform due diligence to ensure listings are legitimate
• Freelance Writer's Den - this site offers online training and a job board for freelance writers

You will find some of my best tips in the following post: how to find a work-at-home job.

• Visit my recommended reading list
  
• Popular work-at-home courses
• Learn more about flea market flipping in this free webinar. 
• Get affordable online training on Udemy. See some popular courses here.