How can I make money online in 2021?

With COVID-19 still raging, it's likely that many of us are looking for new ways to generate extra cash while we're stuck indoors and isolated with our families or alone on Zoom calls.

This is why there has never been more opportunities than right now to work remotely, including making some extra money doing something you love from your computer. If you have an idea of what kind of job you want to do but aren't sure where to start, here's everything you need to know about building a successful career working from home — even if you don't yet have any professional experience. And if you'd like to learn how to make money online as a complete beginner who knows absolutely nothing whatsoever, keep reading!

Here is how to figure out how to make money online in 2021...

How can I make money at home in 2021?

The first step to figuring out how to make money online in 2021 is determining exactly which skillset/career path you should pursue. There are dozens of different fields of study (e.g., programming, writing, graphic design) and hundreds of potential jobs within those categories (e.g., web developer, freelance writer). The good news is that these options are all pretty easy to break down into specific subcategories. For example, if you've always wanted to be a photographer but didn't think you could ever afford to take formal classes, then freelancing might be a great place to start. You'll probably end up specializing in wedding photography, though, since weddings are currently one of the most popular types of event to cover.

Another option would be to try becoming a virtual assistant. It may not sound glamorous enough to consider a "real" 9-to-5 gig, but when you really stop to look at it, being a VA isn't so bad. As someone who does this full time, I can assure you that VAs rarely enjoy long stretches of uninterrupted downtime. They also tend to perform multiple roles simultaneously (e.g., social media management + admin tasks + bookkeeping), which means they must prioritize their workloads accordingly. In short, they deal with stuff other people hate dealing with. While it can certainly be frustrating having to handle mundane administrative duties over email instead of face-to-face meetings, it's often worthwhile because it frees them up to focus entirely on client interactions and projects.

And lastly, if you're feeling creative, you could build your own website using WordPress, launch an Etsy shop selling homemade crafts, set up a blog to share personal essays, etc. Basically whatever makes sense for your unique situation.

Once you've figured out the type of job you'd prefer to go after, you'll next need to research companies hiring employees online. Here's how to use Indeed to search for remote positions:

1. Sign in. Go to indeed.com and log in to your account.

2. Search for your desired position title.

3. Select Remote from the dropdown menu under Job Type.

4. Enter your location preferences.

5. Set your salary preference range.

6. Click the Search button.

7. Review available results.

8. Apply once you feel confident!

If you haven't done much searching already, you might just discover that there are tons of companies willing to hire experienced professionals to fill various technical roles. These positions typically require previous education or training, however, meaning that you won't necessarily land a job unless you actually meet certain requirements. But if you happen to come across such openings, don't fret! Most employers will consider applicants with no prior experience if they believe you possess strong communication abilities and drive. Just remember to prepare yourself by brushing up on things like coding languages, data structures, algorithms, machine learning concepts, etc.

How can a 2021 beginner make money online?

Now that you've determined what area(s) of expertise you wish to develop, it's time to decide whether you'd like to start off freelancing or joining a company. Keep in mind that both approaches are perfectly valid and viable strategies for success. However, each carries its own pros and cons, which is why it's important to understand the differences between them before diving in headfirst.

For starters, let's talk about the disadvantages of starting off on your own without guidance or support. First, you will almost definitely run into problems sooner rather than later. Yes, you read correctly. You will eventually encounter obstacles, roadblocks, disappointments, frustrations, stress, anxiety, etc. No matter what stage of life you're in at present, you've probably encountered similar challenges in the past, and you'll undoubtedly continue to experience them moving forward. Second, if you're unfamiliar with the proper way to approach problem solving, researching solutions, setting goals, networking effectively, generating leads, negotiating contracts, submitting proposals, managing clients' expectations, etc., then you might become overwhelmed very quickly. Third, it's extremely difficult to predict future market conditions. Therefore, if you choose to rely solely upon your gut instincts to determine what direction to take, your decision-making process may be clouded by uncertainty and fear. Fourth, you may simply lack the necessary tools needed to succeed. Lastly, it takes years to cultivate valuable relationships, hone your craft, establish credibility, gain trust, increase conversions, etc. That said, the biggest advantage of going the route of employment is access to resources like mentorship programs, coaching sessions, free trainings, marketing materials, promotional products, discounts on software & services, employee perks, etc.

To address the above issues, here are 4 tips to follow when deciding how to make money online in 2021:

1. Create a business plan outlining your financial goals for each month throughout the year.

2. Build a team of trusted advisors around you. Hire experts who can provide feedback, advice, assistance, etc. whenever possible. Also, refer back to tip #1 when evaluating recommendations.

3. Learn how to overcome inevitable setbacks and failures along the way. Embrace the lessons learned, grow stronger, improve your resilience, and persevere until you reach your destination.

4. Be mindful of the fact that no two situations are identical. Take note of what works well for others, adapt elements of their methods that resonate with you, modify tactics based on changing circumstances, etc.

Lastly, if you decide to join a company, it's critical to ensure that you select one whose mission aligns closely with your values. Otherwise, it might prove challenging to stay motivated, inspired, passionate, authentic, consistent, persistent, focused, productive, etc.

How can I make real money from home?

So far, we've looked at two broad areas of interest: 1.) How to figure out how to make money online in 2021, and 2.) What kinds of jobs can you apply for successfully given your current skill level? Now it's time to narrow your field of inquiry further and ask yourself which particular industry or niche interests you hold the most value. Once you answer that question, you can begin exploring the following questions:

What talents or personality traits do you bring to your chosen profession?

Which industries would you ideally like to work in? Why?

Do you see yourself as a specialist in any particular subject area? Which ones?

Are you interested in growing in size or scope?

Would you rather specialize in only one role? Or work in several related niches?

When selecting a company, you want to avoid anything too big or overly complicated. Start small and scale up gradually. A common mistake made by novice entrepreneurs is jumping straight into the deep end of the pool by trying to tackle massive enterprises like Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Tesla, Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, eBay, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr, Medium, Quora, Reddit, Shopify, Spotify, Twitch, Dropbox, Evernote, Square, PayPal, etc. Instead, focus on smaller organizations that allow you room to grow and thrive alongside them. By focusing on fewer clients, you'll reduce risk and maximize profits. Another thing to consider is diversifying your portfolio by taking part in microjobs through platforms like Upwork, People Per Hour, Freelancer, Fiverr, MicroWorkers, TaskRabbit, Gigwalk, Zilok, FlexJobs, FancyHands, etc. Doing this helps you gain confidence and practice essential soft skills like project planning, budgeting, public speaking, presentation technique, customer service etiquette, salesmanship, effective negotiation techniques, etc. Plus, you'll be exposed to additional opportunities to advance your career.

How can I make a living from home 2022?

We all want more time, right? Whether it's for family or just because we think that extra hour would be nice and relaxing, one of our biggest desires is finding a way to work less so we have more time.

But what if you could actually make money online without having to pay anything (or even putting forth any effort)? There are several different options out there — some require no investment at all! Here are three of them...

How can I make money online without paying anything 2021?

1) Make your own products on Amazon

Amazon offers an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to create their own product. All you need is a digital design tool like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, something with audio capabilities, and a computer connected to the internet. Once those things are squared away, simply upload files to your account and specify the price range and shipping costs. You'll also need to include information about where people should go to buy your item(s), as well as whether they should use standard postage or ship internationally. Then sit back while customers purchase your items off of your website. The process may take a few days depending on how many orders you receive, but once everything has sold, you keep 100% of the profits from each sale. If you're interested in learning more about selling through Amazon, here's a handy primer.

2) Sell stuff you don't need anymore on eBay

If you've got too much junk lying around in storage, then why not sell it on eBay instead of throwing it away? What better way to declutter than by getting rid of furniture, clothes, electronics, housewares, artwork, jewelry, etc., and pocketing the cash? Selling on eBay is simple — just post photos of whatever you'd like to sell, set up seller fees, choose a preferred payment option, and wait for potential buyers to come knocking. And unlike other types of sales platforms, eBay takes care of the transaction itself. So when someone buys something from you via PayPal, Etsy, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, etc., eBay handles the exchange. Plus, you won't have to deal with pesky returns and refunds.

3) Deliver Amazon packages yourself

You might already know that you can order physical goods direct from Amazon and have them delivered directly to your home. But did you know you can deliver books, grocery bags, pet food, gift cards, plants, games, toys, posters, flowers, balloons, laundry detergent, toilet paper, dog treats, and lots more using Amazon Home Delivery? To sign up for this service, head over to www­.amazonbundles.com/delivery-direct/. After completing the steps outlined on this page, select "Delivery Direct" under the Services section. Next, type in the zip code associated with your address to see which delivery services are available in your area. Enter your email address, phone number, birthday, gender, postal code, and last name. Finally, click Get Started Now and fill out the form. Depending on your location, this service may cost between $5-$15 per month.

4) Start a blog

Blogging used to mean writing posts on blogs, but nowadays, you can start your very own site by purchasing domain names, setting up hosting accounts, installing WordPress, creating pages, adding content, and promoting your new site. Not only does blogging allow you to express your creativity and opinions, but it can also provide passive income streams thanks to advertising revenue. In addition to building traffic, most successful bloggers share relevant news stories, talk about trending topics, highlight helpful articles, offer tips and tricks, and write reviews of popular movies, gadgets, restaurants, apps, music, video games, seasons of TV shows, websites, books, and pretty much everything else imaginable. It doesn't matter if you plan to monetize your blog or not; everyone benefits from its ability to draw readership. Blogging isn't for everybody, though, and it requires commitment and persistence to really succeed. For beginners who aren't sure where to begin, here are 10 essential questions to ask before starting a blog.

5) Rent your space on AirBnB

This platform allows homeowners to rent rooms and entire homes to travelers looking to stay overnight. When guests check into your property, they typically leave behind clean linens, towels, kitchen utensils, appliances, and sometimes even pets. As long as your place meets Airbnb requirements, including being properly maintained, you can charge anywhere from $25 to upwards of $700+ per night based on your rental preferences. The company provides hosts with special tools to manage rentals, communicate with guests, accept payments, collect taxes, and track bookings. While you do have to abide by certain guidelines, such as limiting nightly stays to 72 hours, you can customize your listing and decide exactly what kind of experience you wish to portray. However, there are additional expenses involved beyond your actual accommodations. These include cleaning fees, insurance coverage, credit card processing fees, and local tax charges. Also, remember that Airbnb listings tend to attract locals rather than tourists, so you'll probably end up sharing part of your living space with another renter.

6) Earn money from unused promotional codes

PromoCodesPro lets users search thousands of promo codes across various sites to save shoppers money on purchases made online. Users simply enter a store URL or category term into the box provided, press Search, and voila! They'll instantly see a list of applicable discounts along with details regarding expiration dates, minimum spend thresholds, maximum savings amounts, and redemption policies. Each user receives unlimited access to the database, so regardless of how often they visit PromocodesPro, they'll always be able to find useful promos. With affiliate marketing comes both risk and reward. Affiliates must rely on commissions earned from referring others to merchants' websites in lieu of receiving compensation themselves. That said, earning money from referrals never gets easier than with PromocodesPro's referral program. Anyone can refer fellow members to the app and get paid for doing so. Simply follow these instructions to join the program.

7) Take surveys

Taking surveys pays big bucks — especially if you participate in legitimate market research studies. Companies hire survey firms to conduct focus groups, telephone interviews, webinars, and live chats. Survey companies then compensate participants according to the length and complexity of each study. Surveys usually entail filling out questionnaires, reading lengthy documents, watching videos, listening to podcasts, taking quizzes, answering polls, playing games, downloading apps, signing up for newsletters, browsing advertisements, searching for coupons, shopping, subscribing to emails, texting, tweeting, liking/disliking social media updates, clicking links, following hashtags, posting comments, and so much more. Most surveys pay approximately $10 per completed questionnaire, but the amount varies greatly depending on the nature of the study. Some companies offer bonuses worth hundreds of dollars if you complete enough surveys within a given period.

8) Create YouTube videos

Anyone who wants to build a strong brand presence on social media needs to learn how to master video creation. Creating engaging videos on YouTube can increase engagement rates, boost SEO results, drive organic traffic, improve conversion rates, enhance customer satisfaction, engage followers, and ultimately, generate leads and conversions. Videos consist of visual elements combined with sound effects and dialogue, making them perfect for conveying messages effectively. Today, almost every business owner is utilizing video marketing strategies to connect with consumers in more meaningful ways. According to Hubspot, 79 percent of marketers say that incorporating video marketing techniques increased lead generation during COVID-19. Since YouTube remains the second largest search engine after Google, uploading regularly updated videos onto your channel helps to position your brand higher for relevant searches. By spending 15 minutes crafting high-quality videos every week, you'll soon discover that video marketing is not as difficult as you thought.

9) Become an influencer

Influencers are celebrities whose popularity extends beyond celebrity status. An influencer is defined as "a person influential in society." Influential people possess unique qualities, characteristics, skills, knowledge, abilities, or attributes that distinguish them from others. Being deemed an influencer means becoming known for possessing expertise in areas ranging from fashion, tech, health, beauty, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, travel, technology, politics, art, finance, science, religion, education, history, psychology, nutrition, interior decorating, architecture, design, photography, graphic design, film editing, screenwriting, filmmaking, animation, cooking, gardening, writing, drawing, comedy, literature, storytelling, journalism, poetry, humor, sarcasm, memes, nostalgia, culture, commentary, satire, activism, spirituality, relationships, dating, parenting, self improvement, motivation, inspiration, productivity, wellness, entrepreneurship, personal development, positive thinking, life advice, success stories, motivational speeches, and lectures."

With so many people losing their jobs, it's understandable that some are looking into other options of making extra cash. But what happens once your employer says "Goodbye"? How should you go about finding work or creating new opportunities for yourself?

If you're wondering how to make money online in 2021, we've got answers for you. Read on for tips on how to start making money now without much effort.

How can I make money fast with no income?

The first thing to know is that there isn't one right way to become an entrepreneur. There are tons of different paths out there for those who want to create an additional stream of passive revenue. Some of them require more time than others, but they all offer a chance at financial freedom. So don't be afraid to explore! Here are three proven methods anyone can try today.

1) Sell stuff online

Selling products online has been around since before most internet users were born. Amazon was founded in 1994, eBay launched in 1995, Craigslist debuted in 1996, and Facebook wasn't even created until 2004. Selling physical items like books, CDs, DVDs, video games, used clothing, etc., over platforms like these has long been a reliable source of supplemental income. Nowadays, selling things digitally (eBooks, apps, digital downloads, streaming services) offers another opportunity. You could sell e-books through Apple Books, Spotify, iTunes, Google Play Music, Kindle Unlimited, Kobo, Nook Press, and so forth, as well as anything else available within each service's catalogs. Alternatively, use sites such as Fiverr and Gumroad to showcase art, music, writing, photography, crafts, videos, and other creative works. If you have unique skills, consider starting your own website or blog where you can share your knowledge and expertise. Or maybe you'd prefer to host workshops and seminars? No matter what path you choose, just remember to follow basic rules of good customer relations.

2) Start a business

Starting a small business from scratch requires plenty of capital — both monetary and emotional — but you may not need any of either to begin. Many profitable businesses began as hobbies, which means you don't necessarily need to spend lots of money upfront. For example, someone might build a website, launch a product or two, then advertise using free tools like YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Quora, Reddit, LinkedIn, Snapchat, etc. Then they can slowly grow their audience by offering discounts, sales, coupons, giveaways, and/or subscriptions via email lists. And while building up your following, never forget to provide value. People won't stick around unless they see something worth staying for.

3) Get paid for helping friends & family

One of the easiest ways to make money quickly is through referrals. Simply ask your network of contacts if they would benefit from your services and explain why. The key here is to ensure that your pitch focuses on benefits rather than price tags. Once you establish rapport with potential customers, let them know what types of tasks you'll accept. Maybe you're willing to clean houses, write letters, babysit children, mow lawns, run errands, deliver groceries, prepare meals, drive kids somewhere, walk dogs, pick up dry cleaning, shop for food, paint rooms, plant flowers, take pictures, edit photos, manage portfolios, organize calendars, travel, handle taxes, schedule appointments, plan parties, proofread documents, or whatever else comes to mind. Afterward, refer interested parties to your site or social media profile. In return, request references from satisfied clients. Asking for testimonials also helps because it shows prospective customers that you care enough to keep records of past experiences.

What to do if you have no money and no job?

You didn't learn entrepreneurship skills during college, so chances are high that you haven't had to deal with being unemployed yet. While you might feel helpless, it doesn't mean you shouldn't figure out how to make money. Remember, you aren't alone in this struggle. Millions of Americans across industries are having trouble keeping steady employment due to COVID-19 lockdowns, economic downturns, automation, globalization, lack of skilled workers, changes in technology, etc. Still, it's important to understand that you don't need a lot of money to live comfortably. Most experts say $10,000 per month is sufficient for a single person living in the U.S.. That said, depending on your situation, you might want to think bigger. It's possible to support a household with less than $5,000 monthly, but you probably won't want to stay put forever that way. However, if you come across a lucrative gig or happen upon a great investment idea, you can always increase your budget later.

In short, everyone needs money sooner or later. Whether you decide to seek traditional employment again or look into independent ventures, you must act quickly. Otherwise, the momentum behind your efforts could slow down, leaving you feeling frustrated. Don't wait too long to start thinking outside the box.

How do you make money when you have none?

There are plenty of companies willing to lend you money. These include banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, car dealerships, insurance agents, private investors, crowdfunding websites, peer-to-peer lending platforms, etc. But before applying, research whether interest rates are competitive, review loan terms, compare fees, investigate repayment plans, verify company credentials, check background information, confirm identity, discuss collateral requirements, determine qualifications, review security standards, etc. Also, make sure you fully understand all conditions associated with loans, including penalties, limitations, restrictions, repayments, guarantees, early termination fee charges, defaulting costs, late payment consequences, prepayment privileges, grace periods, etc. Before signing any agreements, read everything thoroughly so you aren't caught off guard. Finally, be aware that borrowing money can result in negative repercussions that negatively affect your credit history. Be prepared to pay higher interest rates, lose eligibility for future financing, experience discrimination, face bankruptcy proceedings, incur legal debts, etc.

As mentioned earlier, there are several ways to earn extra cash online. One option involves joining affiliate marketing programs. Affiliate marketers receive commissions whenever they direct traffic towards merchants' products and services. To qualify, affiliates typically sign up for free accounts on popular shopping portals like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, AliExpress, Rakuten, Etsy, Shopify, ClickBank, Paypal, Wish, Zillow, etc. From there, they promote select merchandise exclusively. When visitors click links pointing back to merchant sites, the affiliate gets a commission. Besides getting paid for referring potential buyers, affiliate marketers often enjoy perks like discounted items, priority status, special promotions, freebies, personalized emails, access to better vendors, etc.

Another avenue is freelance gigs. With so many folks stuck inside due to COVID-19, demand for virtual assistance increased significantly. Popular freelancing websites such as Upwork, Freelancer, People Per Hour, Guru, Toptal, Vworker, Elance, Indeed, FlexJobs, TaskRabbit, Freestyle, iProspect Talent Pool, etc., allow individuals to post projects, bid on completed ones, apply for positions, negotiate salaries, submit applications, track payments, view client ratings, set milestones, communicate effectively, etc. By becoming a member, you gain access to millions of active profiles representing hundreds of thousands of professionals worldwide. Plus, there's a multitude of categories to choose from, ranging from accounting, coding, design, programming, translation, copywriter, medical transcription, data entry, administrative assistant, graphic designer, photographer, web development, virtual assistant, project manager, etc. All you need to do is register, fill in your details, upload relevant portfolio materials, and search for desired roles. Afterwards, start bidding on jobs posted by employers.

Lastly, consider investing. We all dream of retiring someday, but there's nothing wrong with saving for rainy days while still working toward that goal. According to CNBC, baby boomers currently hold assets totaling nearly $7 trillion. Of that amount, roughly half ($3.6 trillion) consists of stocks and bonds. Therefore, it makes sense to diversify your investments accordingly. For instance, allocate funds into low-cost index fund mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETF). Funds invest portions of their earnings in various asset classes like equities, fixed income, real estate, commodities, alternative investments, hedge funds, venture capital, gold, silver, oil, natural gas, cryptocurrencies, etc. Not only does this improve market liquidity, but it protects against inflationary pressures caused by rising prices. On top of that, tax laws encourage retirement savings by allowing contributions to individual 401(k), Roth 401(k), Traditional IRA, SEP, SIMPLE IRAS, Archer MSA, Solo 401(k), Pension Plan, Keogh Plans, Health Savings Accounts, etc. Lastly, if you're already retired, you can convert part of your existing nest egg into an annuity contract.