If you’re looking to make money online, there are plenty of time-tested skills you can learn and master to help you achieve that goal.
Whether you’re looking for part-time work, a new career, or a fun way to make extra cash, it really pays to develop your knowledge and expertise in a wide range of areas.
With that being said, here are 15 popular skills to earn money online that have a huge potential.
15 Skills To Earn Money Online
1. Proofreading
Proofreading is the process of making sure a written document has no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors before the work is published, released, or distributed. Journalists use proofreaders to make sure articles are free of typos and other errors before they're printed.
To develop proofreading skills, it is important to have a bachelor's degree, preferably in English, journalism, communications, or a related field. Previous experience also matters.
When you are working as a newbie, you can join proofreading companies for beginners to gain experience. Once you get the hang of it, you can try freelancing and even start your own proofreading business.
If you're still confused about whether this skill is really your cup of tea, I highly recommend a free Proofreading workshop that will introduce you to the nuts and bolts of proofreading much better. Click here to enroll.
2. Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting spoken words or other audio or video recordings into text and is most commonly used in the medical, legal, and court reporting fields.
Transcriptionists listen to recorded audio or video and write the audio or video's contents into a word-processed document. The audio or video is played back using headphones or speakers while the transcriptionist listens to the recording.
You can consider this skill if you have strong listening skills, time management, proofreading, and language skills, as well as a fast typing speed.
If you're new to transcription and don't know where to start, I highly recommend this free Transcription mini-course that covers 7 essential topics. Also, you can join these beginner transcription jobs for a head start.
In terms of pay, a Transcriptionist can expect to earn $15-20 USD per hour or more.
3. WordPress Developer
A WordPress developer is someone who can create custom WordPress plugins, themes, and modules. They also design and implement websites for clients & their goal is to create appealing and user-friendly websites based on client specifications.
To develop this skill, you need to master the fundamentals of coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and more), learn everything about WordPress & choose an area you like to focus on (core, theme, or plugin).
In the United States, the average WordPress developer earns $27 per hour. If you're interested, here's a WordPress beginner's course to get you started.
4. E-mail Marketing
Although it is not a new marketing strategy, it is still one of the most effective methods to reach your target audience. Email marketing is a set of tools and techniques that help you reach out to your potential customers through their email.
For this,
- you must know how the email marketing tool works.
- must have the analytical ability.
- Knowledge of segmentation and targeting fundamentals.
- Understanding of testing/email hacks.
- Awareness of compliance and security & much more.
In the United States, the average salary for an Email Marketing Specialist is around $54k per year. If you want to learn everything about this skill, this course is for you.
5. E-commerce Product Video Ads
If you've ever worked with an e-commerce store that sells products online, you understand how difficult it is to get customers to buy. After all, even if your website is fantastic and you have a lot of traffic, the customer still has to decide whether or not to buy your product.
This is where product video advertisements come in. Product video ads are short videos that show the product in use and appear on the website, usually below the fold.
If you can create such videos for small businesses, entrepreneurs, bloggers, you can earn a handsome income. For this, you can use Microsoft Powerpoint, Doodle videos, or any other video editing animation software.
6. Content Writing
Content writing skill is the art of creating beautiful and informative content for the purpose of promoting a service or product.
This is typically done by writers who make a living by creating web content for websites, blogs, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, or any other form of web publishing.
They know how to promote a service or product by combining keywords and SEO content that engages the reader while providing useful information.
If you love writing or want to be a content writer, simply sharpen your writing abilities, improve your grammar, and learn how to create content that sells. Here is a course I would like to recommend.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average base pay for a writer in the United States is $46,596 per year & it can go up to $75k.
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7. Social Media Marketing
Social Media Marketing is the most efficient way to get your message across to your target audience. It improves customer service, increases sales, creates brand awareness, and increases revenue.
According to Payscale.com, a social media marketer earns around $50k yearly.
To develop this skill, you must know how the different social media sites function, what their different strengths are, and how to use them to your advantage.
Here is a good Instagram Marketing course that will help you set foot in the right direction.
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8. Blogging
Blogging is my main source of income, and I can vouch that it is one of the best methods to make money online. Though it requires dedication, patience, and hard work, it is definitely worth it.
With a blog, you can make money by displaying ads, selling affiliate products, selling your own products, and services, writing sponsored posts, etc. To be honest, there are numerous ways to turn your blog into a cash machine.
Though there is an initial investment of a few dollars in a domain name and web host, you can recoup your investment within a few months once you monetize your traffic.
If you're interested in learning more about blogging, you can enroll in this course.
9. Graphic Designing
Graphic Design is visual communication and problem-solving art using one or more typography, photography, illustration, web design, video, animation, interactive design, and other visual elements to convey information to the viewer.
Good graphic design can help make an advertisement more effective, a label easier to read, or a website more usable.
Many digital marketing firms, magazines, newspapers, blogs are always on the hunt for talented graphic designers who can create beautiful graphics in a short amount of time.
If you want to make money by creating graphics for others, you first need to master Photo editing software such as Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer.
Talking about earnings, according to Indeed.com, the average base pay of a graphic designer in the US is $18.06 per hour.
10. Web Development
Web development is the process of designing & building websites. It involves the development of websites from the initial concept of the design, through to the development, and then onto deployment.
To develop this skill, you first need to get an education on web development, whether it is from a university or an online course. Then, focus on developing technical skills and continuing to practice coding skills.
This is a high-earning skill that can make a significant amount of money by working a few hours daily. According to Indeed.com, the average base salary of a web developer in the US is $74k.
11. Search Engine Optimization
The process of optimizing a website to get a top ranking in the search engine search results is called search engine optimization. It is the process of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine’s unpaid results—often referred to as “natural,” “organic,” or “earned” results.
If you know how to rank websites organically on the SERP, you can help small businesses and bloggers to earn money online.
To begin, familiarise yourself with WordPress, Google Analytics, and Search Console, as well as SEO and Google's guidelines. Despite the fact that it is a broad subject, it is preferable to enroll in a course that takes you step by step.
Here is one course for beginners that will introduce you to Search engine optimization - The Ultimate SEO Training 2021.
In terms of pay, an SEO Specialist earns $51k per year in the US as per indeed.com.
12. Voice Over
Voice Over is the ability to use one's voice in order to recreate sounds, music, and even the spoken word. Usually, voiceover artists are used in animation, video games, movies, and television series.
The main thing about voiceover artists is that they are not just using their talent to entertain others, but they also make money from this skill.
If your voice has clarity, emotional range, and consistency, you too can become a Voice Over artist & make a living. According to Indeed.com, an American voice actor gets paid an average base salary of $34.80 per hour.
13. Executive Recruiter
An Executive Recruiter is a professional who specializes in recruiting individuals with the right mix of skills and experience to fill a specific role in an organization. They work with large businesses and organizations to identify the candidate that is most suitable for the position.
If you have excellent communication skills, profound industry knowledge, good networking skills, & multi-tasking abilities, you can consider this skill.
As per Salary.com, an Executive Recruiter earns an average of $99,225 per year in the United States.
14. Translation
A translation skill is the ability to translate written material from one language to another. For example, if a person speaks Chinese and wants to read a blog post written in Spanish, he/she would need a translator to be able to do so.
The quality of a translation skill depends on the person's knowledge and experience with the languages. If you know more than one language, you can use this skill for freelance translation assignments.
As per indeed.com, the base pay of a translator in the US is around $45k per year.
15. Photography
Nowadays, the word photography has come to mean many things to many people. To some, it is strictly a hobby or a way to express themselves, while to others it is a way to earn money doing freelance photography.
If you've always wanted to make a living with your camera, you should know that it takes a lot more than a dream and a passion to make that happen.
Becoming a freelance photographer necessitates the acquisition of specific skills, knowledge, and experience, which only comes with time and a lot of hard work.
Still, I will recommend this course if you're a beginner who wants to take things slowly. Talking about earnings, a US freelance photographer earns around $42k per year according to salary.com.
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6 Ways To Earn Money Using Your Skill
If you have a skill that other people want, you can use that skill to earn money in the following ways:
1. Freelancing
Freelance work isn't the easiest way to make cash, but it's a way to earn a decent income if you're willing to work hard and work smart. Many freelancers get referrals and repeat customers because of the reputation they earn.
If you love to work with clients from home to have more flexibility, you can join the following freelancing sites.
2. Start a Blog
You can use blogging to educate people by creating informational content related to your skill. The goal is to write more and more articles in order to increase your blog traffic.
Once you have a decent amount of traffic (at least 10,000 visits per month), you can start monetizing your blog by putting ads on it.
Though 10,000 visits is still a small number to make significant cash, it is sufficient to get you started. You can expect to earn anywhere from $500 to $800 per month if you're receiving 50k visits.
Another way to monetize your blog is to promote affiliate products related to your skill. Basically, you have access to a special link known as an affiliate link, which is used to promote the product. When someone clicks the link & buys the product on your recommendation, you'll receive a small commission.
3. Become an Online Coach
Another way to earn money from your skills is by becoming an online coach.
As more and more people turn to online learning for a variety of reasons, online coaching is another option that is growing in popularity. It's a great choice for those who are looking to use their skills and expertise to earn money while working from home.
But before you think so, you should be well versed with your skills and have some experience. That's because these are the things you are going to show as proof to mark your authenticity.
Furthermore, you will require a client base to continue making money month after month.
4. Create an Online Course
If you're looking for a way to supplement your income using your skill, consider creating an online course and selling it on sites like Skillshare or Udemy. These websites allow you to create a course for others to purchase, which can be short or long in length.
If your course is particularly popular, you may be sponsored by a company such as Skillshare, which provides an excellent opportunity to earn money while also networking.
5. Write an eBook
If you’re creative and know a lot about a skill, consider writing an ebook that other people can buy.
You can sell it by:
- Posting it on your website or blog and linking to the Kindle store.
- Uploading it to the Kindle store & asking people you know to buy it and leave a review.
- Using a service like BookBaby to create a print-on-demand version and sell it on Amazon.
- Selling the ebook through your existing social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
6. Start Your YouTube Channel
Similar to blogging, you can also start a YouTube channel and create educational videos about your skill.
Once your channel crosses 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch time hours over the last 12 months (the requirement for monetizing), you can display ads on your videos to get paid from Google Adsense.
Final Conclusion:
So, these are some skills to consider if you want to make money online. Though there are many more like this, it all comes down to your interests and background.
Now, tell me which skill on this list is your favourite. You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.