The internet represents a vast landscape where lucrative business opportunities abound. Many people flock to this digital frontier to escape the tedious 9-5 lifestyle and become their own bosses. Some of them manage to build a business quickly and earn good money.  

Not everyone is as successful, but the great thing about making money online is that there is usually no or little upfront investment required. Your talents and passions are the driving force behind the whole endeavor.

Indeed, online jobs can be a real life-changer, your way to gain financial freedom and fulfill your life goals in 2018 and beyond.

Let's take a look at 7 ways you can make money online in 2018.

Start a blog

One of the most affordable ways to get started in online business is with a blog – which you can start for as little as $25.

To make headway into the blogosphere, carve out a niche and produce a regular stream of quality articles. Research your target audience and figure out topics that resonate with it. Create attention-arresting headlines and always include engaging images. The content you provide is free, but that doesn't mean you will not be able to generate profit.

After all, you can get people interested in information and products related to your field of expertise, drive organic traffic your way, and spread brand awareness far and wide. You have a chance not only to boost your sales but also earn profit through affiliate links, pay-per-click (PPC) or direct ads.

Self-publish a book on Amazon

To go an extra writing mile, you can self-publish a book. Nowadays, the traditional publishing methods are overshadowed by digital powerhouses in the league of Amazon. Namely, they sell and distribute e-books, products that can be downloaded online and read on a variety of platforms.

 

Rest assured that even without a pile of savings and a big name, it's possible to get the ball rolling.

Many people have reached thousands and thousands of readers who fancy science-fiction, how-to-guides, novels, non-fiction work, collections of blog posts, and other pieces of content. All you have to do is to write an e-book, upload it to a seller account on Amazon, and kick-off your promotion.

Take online surveys

Paid surveys are a common entry point when it comes to starting a work-from-home job. The learning curve is practically nonexistent and one does not need to possess any special skills. You just have to fill in information forms or email submits and that's it.

It sounds almost too easy, doesn't it?

 

Well, market research sector is booming and there is no shortage of legit surveys that pay panelists. On the flipside, there are also a lot of get-rich-quick schemes you have to avoid. So, stick to reputable survey companies that will not rip you off.

Invest online

This business path demands a bit more money, but the rewards are well worth it. Due to the digital boom and easy-to-use channels, there are a host of options in terms of trading assets via online platforms.

There are a wide range of ways to start investing – with as little as $100.  Depending on your capital, portfolio, and goals, real estate can also be a lucrative investment.

Although traditional investments are more secure,  some investors have done well  buying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Although the first 3 months of 2018 have not been good for crypto, the technology suggests that it has long-term potential. But there may be many ups and downs in the process.

Become a teacher

If you have a strong education background and a knack for teaching, this online career path is a no-brainer. More and more colleges and schools seek online teachers, both on a part-time and full-time basis. Adjunct instructors work on a contract basis and are usually paid per course.

 

There are also companies that connect instructors with students across the globe. For example, as long as you have a college degree you can teach English to kids in China and earn $14-22/hr – without experience!

Ultimately, your income as a teacher depends on factors such as the level of experience and expertise, employer or corporation, your field, etc.  

Launch your online store

Many are those who seek to gain a foothold in online retail by selling via Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. This is a great way to test the waters and see if you could make a logical next step and set up your own online store. At this point, though, you cannot count on built-in prospect base as well as marketing and sales channels.

You have to tackle all these aspects yourself and get the operations off the ground. To make it happen, pick your eCommerce shopping cart platform (Shopify, for instance, is a sound choice), do the market research, write great product descriptions, come up with a competitive pricing scheme, etc.

Try freelancing

The freelancing segment of the job market is constantly expanding and encompassing exciting new opportunities. Via bustling hubs such as UpWork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, one can find a wide range of jobs, from web design to copywriting. Those who have good communication skills and English fluency have a head start here.

Believe it or not, it's estimated that freelancers will account for 50% of the American workforce by 2020, and the trend is gaining traction across the globe as well. So, the good time to start would be now. Create your profile, hone your skills, and find well-paying clients before others beat you to it.

Hit the ground running

As long as you have the internet connection and free time in your schedule, earning money online is a viable proposition. So, put your knowledge and skills to good use and take advantage of resources that lie at your disposal. At first, the income may seem meager, but keep the momentum going.

Adopt good everyday habits to be a strong earner: consistency and perseverance is the key when you get out there. And once you tap into a regular profit flow, you can ponder on building your own online business, blog, or platform. Free yourself from the daily grind and take control over your life.

 

 

Jolene Rutheford is a marketing specialist- turned blogger, currently writing for Bizzmark Blog and  Technivorz. Interested in media and social media, digital marketing and psychology.  Loves coffee, jazz, dystopian and fantasy movies. Jolene also writes for a company that helps you  become a forex broker and trade foreign currencies via the exchange market.