How to Make Money Online for Beginners: 10 Easy Options for 2025

These days, more and more people are turning to the internet to make their income. With that said, if you’re someone who is young or has only worked traditional in-person jobs, you may not know where to start when it comes to making money online. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to make money online for beginners, covering ten of the easiest and most accessible options in 2025.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time online career, these opportunities can help you get started.

10 Ways to Make Extra Money This Month

1. Complete Paid Online Surveys

If you’re looking for an easy and flexible way to earn extra cash, paid online surveys can be a great option. Many companies are willing to pay for your opinions on products, services, and market trends. While you won’t get rich, you can earn a decent side income with minimal effort.

Top Survey Sites:

• Swagbucks: Lets you earn points for surveys, shopping, and more.

• InboxDollars: Pays you in cash (not just points) for surveys and other tasks.

• FreeCash: Offers fast payouts and various earning opportunities.

• ySense: Connects you with high-paying survey opportunities.

• Survey Junkie: Is one of the most reputable survey platforms with a low payout threshold.

2. Try Out Games That Pay You to Play

Believe it or not, you can actually get paid to play games online. Certain platforms offer real cash or rewards for playing a variety of games, from puzzles to strategy games.

Best Platforms:

• True Finance: A financial gaming app that rewards users for completing tasks.

• Swagbucks: An app where you can earn real money for playing games and completing tasks.

• Super.com: Features gaming rewards alongside cashback offers.

• FreeCash: Provides a range of play-to-earn opportunities.

3. Try Freelancing

Do you have a skill? Maybe you’re really good at writing, graphic design, social media management, or coding? You can offer your services online and get paid per hour or per project!

Best Platforms for Freelancers:

• Fiverr: A top freelancing platform where you can offer services in almost any category.

• Upwork: One of the largest freelance marketplaces for remote work opportunities.

• Freelancer.com: A global freelancing platform for all types of projects and gigs.

• PeoplePerHour: A UK-based freelance site connecting clients with skilled professionals.

4. Sell Print-on-Demand Products

Print-on-demand (POD) lets you create custom designs for t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, without holding any inventory. When a customer orders, the supplier prints and ships it for you.

Best POD Platforms:

• Printful: Integrates with Etsy, Shopify, and other e-commerce platforms.
• Redbubble: A marketplace where artists can sell their designs.
• TeeSpring: Allows creators to design and sell custom merchandise

5. Give Affiliate Marketing a Try

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every referred sale (usually tracked through a referral code). This may sound like an intimidating concept, but it can actually be quite easy to get into! And no, you don’t need to be an influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers to qualify, either.

Top Affiliate Programs:

• Amazon Associates: Earn commissions by recommending products on Amazon.
• Rakuten Advertising: Connects affiliates with well-known brands.
• ClickBank: Specializes in digital products with high commission rates.
• ShareASale: Offers a wide range of affiliate programs across various industries.

6. Offer Virtual Assistant Services

There are plenty of businesses and entrepreneurs who need help managing their day-to-day tasks like email management, social media, scheduling, and much more. That is precisely where Virtual assistants (VAs) come in to assist remotely!

Where to Find VA Jobs:

• Belay
• Time Etc
• Fiverr
• Upwork

7. Sell Your Unused Items Online

If you have items you no longer need or want, selling them online is an amazing way to make some extra cash.

Best Platforms:

• eBay (for a wide range of products)
• Poshmark (for clothing and accessories)
• Mercari (for general resale)
• Facebook Marketplace (local general resale)

8. Sell Digital Products

Are you a natural-born creative? You can create and sell digital products like printables, ebooks, and stock photos can be a great way to add a passive income stream.

Best Platforms:

• Etsy (for printables and planners)
• Gumroad (for ebooks and courses)
• Shutterstock (for stock photography)

9. Become a Private Tutor

If you consider yourself a pro in a specific subject (or two), you can tutor students online while charging what you want for your services and creating your own schedule.

Good Tutoring Platform Options:

• VIPKid (English tutoring)
• Chegg (Academic tutoring)
• Wyzant (Various subjects)
• Tutor.com (K-12)

10. Give Content Creation a Try

Okay, this one is actually not always as easy as it sounds, but it can be extremely fun and rewarding. If you are someone who truly enjoys creating unique videos, platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer a few different ways to earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Ways to Monetize Your Page:

• Google AdSense
• Brand Sponsorships
• Affiliate Marketing

Closing Thoughts

We get it, starting out can be overwhelming. But making money online doesn’t have to be complicated. With the ten options we’ve covered, you can begin earning from home with little to no experience.

Whether you try out surveys, freelancing, affiliate marketing, or any other method, the key is consistency and a willingness to learn. It won’t always be easy, but with patience and persistence, the rewards can be well worth it.

FAQs About How to Make Money Online for Beginners

1. How can a beginner make money online easily?

As a beginner, some of the easiest ways to make money online include signing up for paid surveys, freelancing, or joining affiliate marketing programs. Websites like Swagbucks, Fiverr, and Upwork are great places to start with minimal experience. Focus on activities you enjoy or are comfortable with, and stay consistent in your efforts.

2. Which website is legit to make money?

There are many legit websites where you can make money online. Some trustworthy options include Swagbucks, Upwork, Fiverr, Amazon Associates (for affiliate marketing), and InboxDollars. Always do your research before committing to any platform, and avoid sites that ask for large upfront fees or seem too good to be true.

3.  What app pays real money?

Apps like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Mistplay pay real money for completing tasks, watching videos, playing games, or shopping. Additionally, apps like Rakuten (for cashback) and Sweatcoin (for walking) also offer rewards that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

4. How much money can beginners make online?

As a beginner, your earnings will depend on the amount of time and effort you put in. It’s possible to make anywhere from a few dollars per day with activities like paid surveys or microtasks, to more substantial amounts (hundreds to thousands per/day) with freelance work or affiliate marketing. Be prepared to start small and gradually build your skills and income.

5. Do I need to invest money to make money online?

No, there are plenty of ways to make money online without an upfront investment. Websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Fiverr allow you to start earning without paying fees. However, some methods, like starting a blog or creating a YouTube channel, may require some initial investment for tools or marketing.