The ideas within this section are for those looking to make money in a long term, sustainable way. These businesses will require effort and passion to pay off, but they are also some of the most rewarding and fulfilling ways to start making extra money online.
1. Develop and sell a unique product
When you think of most direct-to-consumer brands, this is what comes to mind: original products that make meaningful improvements to well-known items. You too can develop and manufacture a unique product to sell. Consider designing a prototype for a product that solves a common problem then finding a manufacturer to create it.
Startup time: Several months from design to prototype to manufacturing.
Effort level: High to start. Medium ongoing effort to maintain.
Time to first payment: After you sell a product, expect a wait period of around five days to receive funds in your bank account on most platforms.
What to know:
Manufacturing domestically means you have more control over quality and sustainability, but your costs may be higher.
Research manufacturers carefully to find the right fit for your product and brand.
Be sure to consider labeling laws in every region where you plan to sell.
Requirements:
Most ecommerce platforms require that you are at least 18 years of age.
Requirements vary by country and region, but some products may require you to have licenses, permits, or certifications.
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2. Create and sell handmade or custom products
Woman sits at sewing machine making a garmentMaking products by hand is a great way to turn a hobby or passion into a business. You are already an expert at your craft—why not sell your work? Or, explore a new hobby and learn a hands-on skill that you can monetize. Hand-making goods gives you full control over product development and quality, but can be time consuming. Also consider allowing customers to customize each order to their specifications. This is called bespoke, or one of a kind (OOAK).
Startup time: It will take just an hour or two to set up your ecommerce store
Effort level: Depends on whether you already produce goods. High effort to maintain.
Time to first payment: After you sell a product, expect a wait period of around five days to receive funds on most platforms.
What to know:
While this is a rewarding small business idea, scaling this model is challenging. To grow, consider bringing on other artists you can train.
Requirements:
Most ecommerce platforms require that you are at least 18 years of age.
Requirements vary by country and region, but some products may require you to have licenses, permits, or certifications.
👓 Success Story: How a Crafter Scaled Her Eyewear Business
Kerin Rose Gold started designing her own sunglasses before being spotted by top celebs. Now she employs other artists as she grows her brand, A-Morir.
3. Sell digital products
Selling digital products is a great way to earn cash with low ongoing effort and cost. These products include guides, ebooks, templates, music samples, plans, printables, and tutorials that can be delivered digitally, in formats like PDF or via log-in access to a portal. This is a great option for creatives looking to sell music or sell art online.
Another example of digital content is recipes and meal plans. Food blogger Lauren Fit Foodie sells this content to her audience through Instagram.
Startup time: Once the asset is created, it takes a couple hours to get up and running online.
Effort level: Medium to high, depending on product and ability to grow a customer base. Low effort to maintain.
Time to first payment: After you sell a product, expect a wait period of around five days to receive funds on most platforms.
What to know:
Digital goods are scalable, with no limit to the number of times you can sell the same asset.
If you want to license your product or use licensed materials, be sure to consult with a lawyer or research licencing laws.
Requirements:
An ecommerce online platform.
A digital delivery app from the Shopify App Store.
4. Become a reseller
Woman sits on a bed packing boxesReselling existing products can take a number of forms. Whether you buy and resell vintage or collectible items or become a certified distributor of a brand in a specific region, you can start selling products without making any of your own. Another option is to curate products from other brands through your own ecommerce store—say your favorite skin care products for problem skin.
💡 Tip: This model assumes you will be carrying and managing inventory. For a lower-investment option, jump ahead to dropshipping.
Startup time: Varies depending on what you plan to resell.
Effort to start: Low to medium, as you don’t need to create your own products
Time to first payment: After you sell a product, expect a wait period of around five days to receive funds on most platforms.
What to know:
You can find brands to resell by consulting wholesale directories or simply reaching out.
AliExpress is another option for finding generic trending products to sell under your own brand. These can even sometimes be customized and considered white label products.
Requirements:
An online platform to sell your products.
In some cases, you may sign contracts with brands in order to resell.
5. Monetize a blog
While many businesses use blogs to help drive traffic to their products, did you know that you can make money online with a blog alone? You can monetize a blog in a number of ways, including selling ads, using affiliate links, writing sponsored posts in partnership with a brand, or selling merch or custom products to an audience.
Startup time: A few hours.
Effort to start: Medium to start, but it will take a lot of effort to maintain.
Time to first payment: Varies depending on how you are monetizing your blog.
What to know:
While blogging can be a low-investment, small business idea, it can take time to pay off.
Use SEO practices to drive organic traffic and read about more ways to monetize a blog.
Requirements:
A blogging platform.
An interest or skill you want to write about—consider a topic where you can bring a unique perspective and offer value to readers.
🎈 Success Story: This DIY Blogger Monetized her Following
Jordan Ferney started Oh Happy Day as a blog first, eventually opening her own online party supply store once she built a massive audience.
6. Create online courses and workshops
Woman does an upward dog yoga pose on a matOnline workshops and courses are another form of digital product that you can create to earn income from your expertise. This is a great idea if you are a subject matter expert on a topic people are willing to learn. Selling online courses is made easier using a course platform or your own website. A digital delivery or course app can be installed in your Shopify store to help sell courses online.
Startup time: It can take weeks or even months to write, shoot, and edit an online course.
Effort level: Very high to start. Medium effort to maintain.
Time to first payment: Varies, depending on your course and platform’s payment structure.
What to know:
Research your competition: What value can you create beyond what’s already available online?
Use free gated content to build your customer list and give potential customers a sample of your offering.
Live elements like instructor office hours or exclusive Q&A sessions help sell your course.
Requirements:
Audio and video equipment and editing software.
A platform to sell and deliver course content.
About the Creator
The Power of Play
Introduction: In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where schedules are packed and screens dominate our attention, the importance of playtime in child development often gets overlooked. Yet, beneath the surface of seemingly carefree activities lies a world of profound learning and growth. From building blocks to make-believe adventures, play is the cornerstone of childhood, shaping young minds in ways both subtle and profound. In this exploration, we delve into the captivating world of play and uncover the reasons why it is essential for every child's development.
By Fahat Islam3 days ago in Education
The Moon is Full of Drama
I have been taking pictures of the moon for almost 20 years now. That's a long time in photography years. (What are photography years? That will have to be a whole other article). So the statement I am making is, why is the moon full of drama? I guess my reverse question to you is, how could it not be? Look at the picture above for example, this image screams “I am ready for a night out on the town” It has glitz and glam and all the makings for an evening of fun. I took this image as a few different shots, some out of focus of the stars, and then of the moon, blended to give you a feel of depth. It is a fun little photography trick.
By Nagoh Creative (Greg)about 6 hours ago in Photography
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