17 Skills To Make Money Online For Extra Cash — You Can Start Today
You can't make money if you don't learn new skills. That's a fact. Especially on the digital frontier, you can become an entrepreneur only if you're flexible and open for new ideas, niches, platforms, and – that's right – skills that you have to learn.
This article is here to help you with that. So fear not and let's dive into 17 skills that you can develop and make money online. Sounds good? Let's go then!
1. Virtual Organization Skills
For people who know how to connect people and be in the right time and in the right place, this skill is a must-have. If you have some basic good communication skills and would love to work with people in the future, learn how to use Notion, Trello or Asana - this is gonna be your first step that you can make today.
Then, build a base of contacts and clients – and voila! You already can offer your services of a virtual assistant through platforms such as Zirtual or Time Etc.
Watch an example of how it can be done with Notion:
2. Stock Photography Skills
Every photography enthusiast should learn how to take impeccable, aesthetic, appetizing and clean stock photos. And if you master the art of creating this illusion, you can spread and sell your photos on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, making that extra coin.
This is a perfect side job idea for introverts, by the way, and here's 17 more of them:
3. E-commerce Knowledge and Skills
Time marches on, and in the 2024, running an e-commerce store is perhaps the shortest way to success. So if you're interested in running your own online store, become familiar with platforms like Shopify or Etsy to sell products.
Read more the definition, types, and ups and downs of e-commerce here.
4. SEO Writing Skills
Are you an analytical thinker with a knack for research? Brilliant. Then what you need to do is master writing Search Engine Optimization articles. Tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs will help you with that, and as a result you'll have a relevant and well-paying writing skill at hand.
If you're a writer or a copywriter, these small business ideas may also be useful. Check them out!
5. Translation & Interpretation Skills
If you know at least two languages well and wonder, "what skills can I learn to make money online?", then worry not. Your long search is over because you definitely can master the skill of translation and interpretation to sell your services on platforms like Gengo or TranslatorsCafe in the future.
6. Data Analytics Skills
Many people who enjoy working with numbers and statistics don't know that if they get to learn tools like Excel, R, or Python really well, they can find a goldmine.
Platforms like DataCamp and Kaggle are what you need to get started.
7. Dropshipping Knowledge and Skills
You most definitely have heard about dropshipping. Moreover, in 2024 it may just be your answer to the question "how to make money online with no skills?" This is a perfect option for entrepreneurs who are interested in e-commerce but don't want all the hassle of packing and shipping the product themselves.
Check with dropshipping apps and websites like Oberlo or Sellvia to learn about dropshipping and get started. This is going to be an invaluable knowledge for you if you decide to put theory to practice and start your own dropshipping store.
8. Video Editing Skills
Who is this skill for? Creatives with an eye for visual storytelling. And how to start mastering it today? The answer is simple: start with YouTube tutorials and the good old method of trial and error in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Check with LinkedIn Learning if you want not just to learn how to edit videos, but to become a pro in this sphere and earn money by it.
9. Voice Acting Skills
If friends and family keep telling you that you have an interesting and charismatic voice and you're still thinking what skills to learn to make money online, this is your answer. Train your voice, create a demo reel and find gigs on platforms like Voices.com.
This skill will bring money for people with a distinctive voice and acting skills, so if you fit that description, rock on!
10. Market Research
Even if you've never heard about market research skills but you're looking to make extra money in your spare time, you can start signing up for survey sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie and start making money today.
The digital sphere is full of surprises and potential. For instance, here's a story of a man who's found his niche in no-code:
11. Podcast Creation Skills
If words come to you freely and you're artistic at least to some extent, learning everything about podcasts can be a great skill for you. Try it out: first, find a topic you're passionate about. Second, record episodes. Third, edit and distribute them on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Podcasts are an amazing niche: even if it won't become your source of income, it can teach you something. So here's a list of 12 best side hustle podcasts for you:
12. Transcription Skills
What skills can I learn to make money online if I'm a fast typist and have good listening skills? You learn a skill of making quick and precise transcriptions, of course.
Definitely join transcription platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe - this can be your first step in making money with this skill.
13. Music Production Skills
Musicians have an incredible set of complicated and somplex skills of playing and creating music from scratch. Imagine the potential of a musician who also knows even the basics of music production! With this skill, you can at the very least create and sell music tracks or offer mixing services.
Here's a comprehensive and ultra helpful video from a professional producer for beginners in music production:
14. 3D Modeling and Animation
If you're a creative designer looking for a high income skill, 3D modelling is your choice, most definitely. What you need to do is set all the excuses aside, forget about the ifs and buts and learn 3D software like Blender.
There's no way around it – designers are among the top requested professionals in 2024. Read what business ideas you can bring to life if you're a designer:
15. Proofreading and Editing
Detail-oriented people who's always loved correcting others and have strong grammar skills can make great editors and proofreaders. Study how the platforms like Scribendi or ProofreadingServices work and offer your services there.
If you're new to the world of editing and proofreading, you can gain these skills from other people's knowledge:
16. Reselling
Reselling is a skill, too: it takes attention and evaluation. Not many people can spot valuable items in a heap of trash. If you're one of those who can tell a fake from an original at first glance, this can be one of the best skills to learn to make money online. Buy and resell items on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace – and earn good money from it.
By the way, two people can do this job. If you have a loving partner who is ready to run a business together with you, take a look at these couples side hustle ideas:
17. Blockchain Development
Are you a developer? Say no more. It seems that you already have all the skills needed for survival and making money in 2024. However, you can take this skill to a next level and go into blockchain technology. Learn blockchain development and smart contracts with Blockchain Council and CryptoZombies.
And here's 20 more web development small business ideas – just in case!
Everyone can start learning high-income skills and monetize on his or her abilities, but not many people are flexible and dedicated enough to really choose a niche, start practicing, and go on long enough to see some results. You can break the mold. With these 17 online skills we provided for you, you can start learning and making money online today, and do that with passion.
You'll definitely find the journey tough, but the reward for all the hard work in being your own boss and earning on your own terms will pay off well. Which skills can you learn to make money online? The answer lies in your hands.
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