Creating a profitable website is a great way to create a long-term income online. But, there are still ways you can start making money online without having to create a website.
Keep reading to learn over 20 different ways you can start earning money without a website.
1. Publish Kindle Books
Today is the best time in history to become an author. If you’ve been dreaming about writing books for a living, then your dream could be closer than you think. The self-publishing revolution has made it possible for anyone to make a living by publishing books.
Since there’s a lower barrier to entry, this also means more competition. But, by writing the best book possible, and satisfying reader expectations, you can increase your chances of success.
When publishing your own Kindle books, every aspect of the publishing process is under your control. This means you’re responsible for writing, editing, formatting, getting a cover, uploading it to Amazon, writing your book description, and marketing it.
But, for all that extra work you get a bigger slice of the pie. Depending on your book’s price point, you can get as much as 70% of each sale.
Here are some tips to improve your success as a self-published author:
- Do your market research. Make sure there’s a viable book market that isn’t too competitive but still has readers.
- Write the best book possible and invest in a professional editor.
- Invest in a high-quality cover and book description. These two elements work to sell your books.
- Publish your books in a series and aim to dominate a given market.
Your success as an author is entirely under your control. Write the best book possible and build an email list of your ideal readers. The more you publish, the more you’ll learn, and the more money you can make.
2. Email Marketing
If you’ve been online for any time at all, then you’ve heard the expression, “the money is in the list”. This expression couldn’t be truer.
Think about how many emails you get in your inbox every single day. A lot of these are probably from email newsletters you’ve signed up for. Some you can’t wait to open every day, while others – you wonder how you got on their list.
Creating a niche email newsletter can be a great way to reach a targeted group of people and create a solid and sustainable business. Million dollar businesses like The Skimm have been built on the back of a daily email newsletter.
Best of all, starting an email newsletter doesn’t have to be difficult. With tools like ConvertKit, Drip, MailChimp, and Aweber, it’s never been easier.
Here’s the process for you to follow:
- Decide upon a niche you’d like to serve, and the style of your emails;
- Choose an email marketing provider;
- Create a simple landing page and drive traffic to that page;
- Send regular emails to that list.
The goal of your email list is to build trust, so they open your emails every day.
Once you have a sizeable list that opens your emails you have multiple ways to monetize that list like:
- Selling your own digital products;
- Offering a membership course;
- Sending your subscribers to affiliate offers;
- Selling sponsorships;
3. Freelance on Sites Like Upwork
There are a ton of freelance sites full of hungry clients who are looking for someone with your skillset. There’s more demand for freelancers than any time in history.
Some of the most popular freelancing sites include:
To succeed on these platforms it’s important to establish a niche. The worst thing you can do as a freelancer is brand yourself as a generalist. Since the competition is so high, you’ll want to brand yourself as the only solution to a specific type of client.
For example, are you a WordPress developer for SaaS companies, a cryptocurrency writer, or a startup founder ghostwriter?
With your niche established it’s time to build out your profile, create some relevant samples that show off your skills, and start pitching.
If you’re serious about making a living on platforms like Upwork, then spend some time digging through the site Freelance to Win. This site is dedicated to helping you become a highly paid freelancer.
4. Buy and Sell Websites
The process of buying and selling websites is like the process of flipping homes. You buy a home that has untapped potential, fix it up, and sell it for a profit.
The process is pretty straightforward. But, just know that there is risk involved. So, don’t invest money in a site you can’t afford to lose.
Here’s how you buy and sell sites for a profit:
- You find an undervalued website that you know you can improve. Check out marketplaces like EmpireFlippers, Flippa, and We Sell Your Site.
- Do your site research to uncover revenue and traffic numbers, link profile, and the real reasons for selling the site.
- If it checks out, purchase the site.
- Make site improvements to maximize its traffic and revenue.
- Sell the site for a profit!
If you’re interested in exploring this process in depth, then check out these resources and success stories from Hostinger users:
- How I Turned My WordPress Blog Into A Five-Figure Business
- 20 Ideas for Your First Online Side Business
- 10 Steps to Making a Profit Buying and Selling Websites
- How I Made $180,000 Profit Buying And Selling Websites Part Time
- How to Buy and Sell Websites: Expert Advice on Maximizing Your Profit
5. Buy and Sell Domain Names
We mentioned flipping websites above. But, did you know you can also flip domain names in the same way?
Buying and selling domain names for a markup is also known as domain flipping. You buy a domain name for a lower price, markup the domain, and see it for a higher fee.
Here’s a more in-depth overview of the process:
- Use tools like Just Dropped and purchase unique domain names
- Re-list the domain names
- Wait for buyers
- Sell and profit
Some people have been able to make hundreds or thousands of dollars per year employing this exact strategy. And you can start doing it here on Hostinger with our domain checker!
6. Sell Stock Photos and Footage
If you love to take pictures or recording footage, then you can make money off this passion.
There are tons of sites that allow you to upload your stock photos and footage. These sites have huge user bases, and when someone licenses your photo, you get paid.
Some of the biggest stock photography websites include:
If you’re a videographer, then some of the top sites are:
When creating your stock portfolio, spend some time browsing through the marketplaces above to find the most popular styles.
Then, create your own niche and upload as often as possible. The larger your portfolio the greater your chances of success.
Beyond making money with your photos and videos, using these sites can help to build a fanbase for your work as well.
7. Invest in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency has been exploding in the past few years. Chances are cryptocurrency came on your radar last year with the huge Bitcoin peak. But, even if you didn’t invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies a few years ago, it isn’t too late.
By investing today you can still take advantage of being an early adopter.
Investing in cryptocurrency is a lot like any other form of investing, and there will be some risks involved. But, by taking the time to educate yourself you can make some sound investments that’ll pay off in the long-run.
The first step in your cryptocurrency adventure is to get your knowledge and skills up to speed. Bitdegree is a great resource that’s full of useful tutorials and courses that’ll get your cryptocurrency knowledge up to speed.
There are multiple approaches to earning money off cryptocurrency including:
- Investing in coins before they IPO, or grow in value
- Learning how to program and work with blockchain
- Become a cryptocurrency writer
- Getting a job at a cryptocurrency startup
Since cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are still in their infancy, it’s a great time to learn the necessary skills to position yourself for future success.
8. Sell Your Crafts on Etsy
Do you consider yourself a crafty person? If you specialize in making handcrafted goods, then you could make a nice living selling these goods online.
Etsy is one of the biggest platforms for selling your crafts, from unique iPhone cases, to brackets, rings, and more.
You can get started without a website or an online presence. They already have a large audience you can tap into directly. Plus, if you develop enough traction, then you can always transition over to your own self-hosted eCommerce store in the future.
To increase your chances of success keep the followings tips in mind:
- Do your research to make sure there’s an existing demand for your creations on Etsy.
- Consider how much time it takes to make each item. Is your time and material cost worth the price you’re charging?
- Think about what makes your product stand out? You’ll want to have a unique style, while still hitting the expectations of your buyers.
9. Sell Your Products on Amazon (FBA)
Amazon is one of the biggest online retailers, with over a billion products currently listed on the site.
We already mentioned creating a niche eCommerce store above, and this approach is similar, but the core focus is on using the Amazon platform.
With this approach, you find products that are selling well on Amazon, and you source cheaper versions of those products. Then, you add your own branding and re-sell the products.
You have the opportunity to sell these products yourself or work with a manufacturer who will customize these products and dropship them to your buyers.
If this sounds interesting, then check out the resources below to educate yourself further:
- The 4 Secrets of Long-Term Amazon Success [including FBA]
- Want to Make 6 Figures From Your Amazon FBA Business? Here’s How.
- Amazon FBA Success: I Sold $40,639 Worth of Physical Products in the Past 30 Days
10. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is one of the world’s largest search engines. But, instead of searching for websites, people are looking for entertaining, fun, or informative videos.
You can monetize your YouTube channel by using their advertising system or sending your viewers to a website you’ve monetized in another way.
You can think of building a YouTube channel in a similar fashion to creating a website, except you’re creating video, not written content.
If you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and want to try your luck creating videos, then you’ll need to figure out what your channel will be about. Typically, there are two types of YouTube channels out there (that are successful at least):
- Entertaining content. This style includes things like web series, comedy videos, pranks, reviews, video game walkthroughs, and a lot more.
- Educational content. This style is more geared towards, ‘how to’ phrases. For example, ‘how to do SEO’. Or, ‘how to create a tomato garden’. If you have useful skills or information you want to convey through the video, then this is a solid option for you.
Once you’ve decided what kind of channel you’re going to start, it’s time to start creating. First, you’ll need to create a YouTube channel and think of a catchy name. Then, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use a high-quality camera to record your videos;
- Experiment with different styles, formats, and editing techniques until you find one that gets traction;
- Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and images to get people to click;
- Create a consistent video publishing schedule, so followers know when to expect your content.
11. Become a Virtual Assistant
If you’re great at planning and organization, then becoming a virtual assistant could work for you. A virtual assistant could be responsible for a wide range of tasks. For example, you could do general book keeping, data entry, email management, research, and a lot more.
Becoming a virtual assistant can be a great way to not only grow your income but network with important people as well. Not only that, but the market and need for VAs is exploding.
A lot of business owners are turning to virtual assistants, instead of hiring a full-time staff member.
12. Sell Your Programming Services or Software
Learning how to program can be a very valuable skill. Whether you’re looking to freelance with your skills or develop and build your own software.
When you know how to build software you can do things like building a consumer application, a niche web or mobile app, or even a mobile game. A lot of very successful businesses have been built on the back of software.
A lot of today’s software is built by large companies. But, if you look through the Google Play or Apple Store, you’ll find that a lot of the most popular apps have been built by people just like you.
If you’re looking to make money off your own software or apps, here’s an approach you can take:
- Do market research to uncover a pressing need;
- Build an MVP version of the software;
- Get feedback from initial users and beta testers;
- Integrate feedback and launch your first version to the world;
- Start marketing your software solution.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out how Nathan Barry founder of ConvertKit was able to grow his software startup.
If building and selling your own software sounds to time-intensive, then you can profit off your programming skills right away by freelancing.
Spend some time digging through top freelancing platforms like Upwork and Freelancer and you’ll find a variety of gigs your skills are suited for. Or, you can visit the site Remoteok.io, which highlights a variety of remote programming positions you can apply to.
13. Tutor Kids Online
Teaching English and tutoring students around the world is a great way to make money online. If you’re from an English speaking country, then you already have the skills to succeed.
You can also obtain an ESL certification to increase your chances of success and getting hired for the job.
Usually, you can make up to $25 an hour tutoring students over Skype.
If this kind of work sounds interesting, then check out sites like:
14. Test Websites and Give Feedback
Do you have a good eye for design or what makes a good website or app? If so you can make money online by offering your feedback and testing for usability errors.
If you’ve spent a lot of time online, you probably have a good eye for what works and what doesn’t. For example, is their content unclear? Does the layout confuse you? Is the navigation menu too complex?
There are a number of sites that’ll actually pay you for this feedback. Usually, your feedback will be verbal, written, or use a screen recording software.
Some of the most common website and app feedback sites include:
15. Become a Website Developer
Did you know you can actually get paid to build websites?
If you don’t have the development skills, then your first step is learning how to code. Once you have the skills, it’s time to start finding work.
Create a profile on sites like Upwork and Freelancer, and start pitching jobs.
To increase your chances of success it can be helpful to create a niche for yourself, and craft your profile and portfolio accordingly.
For example, maybe you want to build websites for real estate agents and property management companies. Or, you’d like to specialize in creating eCommerce websites that use WooCommerce and WordPress.
First, make sure there’s a verifiable need. Meaning there’s a lot of jobs posted for your specific skillset. Then, craft your niche web development business and start pitching relevant jobs.
16. Narrate Audiobooks
The audiobook industry continues to grow. It seems more and more people prefer to listen to their content, instead of reading it. Still, most books never make it into audiobook format.
Which is funny, because audiobooks can be very beneficial for authors. Not only will they make more money from their books, but it’ll grow their presence too.
If you have a great voice, and love reading, then becoming an audiobook narrator could be in your future.
One of the easiest ways to get started is by signing up for ACX. This service connects audiobook narrators with authors.
Beyond signing up for the service above, you’ll also need to invest in high-quality microphone and recording software, and create some samples that show off your vocal skills.
If you want to expand your reach, you can also create a profile on Upwork and pitch audiobook narration jobs that you come across.
17. Become a Graphic Designer
If you have design chops, or you’ve always loved playing around with Photoshop and Illustrator, then you can use these skills to make some additional money online.
You can use the freelance platforms above, create a profile, and start pitching, or you can test your skills on a platform like 99Designs. On this site, you’ll compete with other designers for certain projects. If the client likes your design, then you’ll get the project and begin working.
Another way to get clients as a graphic designer is to go offline. Go to your local chamber of commerce, or spend some time walking around your town. Chances are you’ll see plenty of businesses who are in need of your graphic design skills. Whether it’s for a new logo, a brochure, or even company uniforms.
Another great local approach is going to your local co-working space. These are usually filled with startups and other companies who are in need of the design skills you have.
18. Become an Instagram Influencer
Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platforms out there. But, did you know you can make money directly from Instagram, just by having a big enough following?
It’s becoming more difficult to build a large following on Instagram, but it can be a pretty easy way to make a nice living online. Large brands and other companies will actually pay you just to do a post about their company, or showcase one of their products.
Usually, how much you make per post will depend on the size of your following, and how engaged they are. But, you can expect to earn anywhere from a couple hundred to multiple thousands of dollars per post.
Building a sizable Instagram audience will take time, but if you love taking photos, don’t mind spending a lot of time on your phone, and are dedicated to posting regularly, then it’s worth a shot.
Here are a few resources for growing your account the right way:
- How to Get More Followers on Instagram: 10k Instagram Followers in 2 Weeks
- How to Gain a Massive Following on Instagram: 10 Proven Tactics To Grow Followers and Engagement
- 11 Surefire Ways to Grow Your Instagram Followers
19. Offer Your SEO Services
Knowing how to rank websites is a very profitable skill.
As long as people continue to use the search engines, then there will be a need for people that know SEO.
In fact, you can get pretty good at SEO, by reading some of the top blogs out there today, like:
Once you understand what it takes to rank a website it’s time to put your skills to the test. It does help to create a website where you can test your new SEO knowledge, but it’s not a necessity.
In fact, you can start getting clients right away.
The first approach involves using freelance sites like Upwork and Freelancer.com.
Or, you can also pitch your services to local businesses who are looking to rank in the search engines.
20. Manage Social Media Accounts
All of us are active on social media these days. But, did you know you could earn a living managing social media accounts?
If you’re already a social media power user, then you’re a step ahead. It’ll be much easier for you to convey your expertise and convince others to manage their accounts for a fee.
If you’re not, don’t worry.
There are a ton of educational resources like the Hootsuite Academy, which will educate you about the ins and outs of social media.
Once your knowledge is up to speed, it’s time to head back to the freelancing sites like Upwork and Freelancer to start pitching jobs.
If you’re looking to increase your chances of landing clients, you can use what you’ve learned to both brand and grow your social media management company.
21. Create a Podcast
If you’re drawn to speaking and sharing opinions, or love to conduct interviews, then podcasting can be a great medium for you to explore. The podcast market is exploding right now, which is a good thing.
Listeners love the portability of podcasts, and with most of us always on the go, it’s becoming one of the preferred ways to consume content.
To succeed with a podcast today you need to create something high-quality. This not only includes the quality of your audio, but also the quality of your content. To start, you need to invest in a solid microphone setup.
If you’re planning to do interview-style podcasts, then you should start reaching out to your guests. You might want to do a few mock interviews first with friends or family, so you can get your style down before your first real interview.
To get a better idea of the quality and topics standards in your space spend some time going through the top podcasts on iTunes. Listen to a handful of their episodes and see what quality indicators they have in common.
- Do they tell incredible stories?
- Do they use humor?
- Do they have an interesting perspective?
- Do they create unique interviews?
By learning from the best you’ll know what to include and what to avoid as you produce your own episodes.
With podcasting, the amount of money you can generate depends on the size and engagement of your audience. The larger your audience and more podcast downloads you have, the better your chances of earning a decent living.
Here are a few options for you to explore:
- Sell your own products and services related to the topics you talk about;
- Create a membership site or mastermind on the backend of your podcast;
- Sell sponsorships, which you read aloud during episodes;
- Open up your podcast for donations.
22. Become a Freelance Writer
If you like stringing words together, then making money as a writer can be a great way to get started earning money online.
Even with no experience you can start making money as a writer pretty quickly.
The first step is establishing your niche and deciding on the type of writing you’ll take on, for example:
- Will you create in-depth blog posts for SaaS sites?
- How about website copy for real estate agents?
- Or sales emails for health and fitness websites?
There’s a near endless supply of content that needs writing. Your big decision is what kind of writer will you be?
Once you’ve discovered your niche it’s time to create some samples and start pitching clients.
The fastest approach is using freelancing platforms to find relevant clients. However, you can also create a few samples, upload them to sites like Medium, or LinkedIn.
If you’re serious about becoming a freelance writer, then check out the resources below:
- The Complete Guide to Getting Started Freelance Writing From Scratch
- How To Launch Your Freelance Writing Career
- How to Become a Freelance Writer on the Side (and Land Your First Freelance Writing Client)
- How to Get Paid to Write as a Complete Beginner
23. Sell Your Art and Designs
If you have some design skills, then you can make money selling your designs. Sites like Society6 make it easy to upload your unique designs and sell them across a variety of items, like phone cases, t-shirts, tapestries, and a lot more.
Society6 gives you a chance to make money off your designs, without any money up front.
You create your own shop, upload your designs, and choose which items you’d like them displayed on. Plus, when someone orders an item off your store it’s shipped to them on-demand.
If you have designs that people love, then this can be a pretty passive way make to make money.
24. Do Micro Jobs
Micro-tasks are tasks that require human intelligence to complete. Even in the age of automation, there are certain tasks that still need a human touch.
These tasks are usually very simple and don’t require any technical skills. For example, you may be asked to review the search results for a given keyword, translate a paragraph into another language, or categorize the tone and feel of an article.
Micro jobs can be fun to complete and all you need is a computer and internet connection. The best place to sign up for these tasks is through Amazon Mechanical Turk.
Just sign up, create an account, and get paid to complete micro jobs.
25. Take Surveys Online
Taking online surveys probably isn’t the best way to earn an income online. But, if you’re looking for some quick cash and prizes, without having to take time to learn a new skill, then it could be worth considering.
Taking surveys is exactly what it sounds like. You take surveys online and get compensated with cash, coupons, prizes, and gift cards.
Usually, you’ll have to give them your demographic info so they can gain information about your background and interests, but after that, you can start earning right away.
Some of the most popular online survey sites include:
26. Sell Your Expertise on Clarity.FM
Just like offering freelance services, you can sell your knowledge and advice. If you’re an expert in a certain field, or you have some specialized knowledge then you can profit off your expertise.
Plus, you don’t have to go through the added time and effort of building your own website and platform.
There are sites like Clarity.FM, Savvy.is, and Coach.me which provide you with a potential network of clients who are seeking your knowledge.
Your earnings will be limited because you’re directly linked to the clock, but it can be a very fast and effective way to get started earning money online. All you need to do is create an account to begin sharing your knowledge and wisdom with others.
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