You’ve probably heard lots of get-rich-quick money-making ideas – from selling online lottery tickets to stuffing envelopes at home. But the truth is that there are real ways to make money online if you’re willing to put in the work. From freelance digital nomads to savvy marketers and rising entrepreneurs, millions of people are making money on the internet each day. Here’s how they do it:

Turn a skill into a profit

If you have a particular skillset, you could offer it as an online service to earn money on the side. Commonly offered services include writing, social media management, web design and programming. You can find freelance jobs on specialist websites or general platforms such as Fiverr, Freelancer and Upwork.

For example, if you have a knack for marketing you can launch an online business helping businesses develop and execute their marketing strategy. Or if you’re an expert in a particular field, you could write and publish an ebook to share your knowledge with the world.

Another great way to monetize your skills is to become an online tutor. There are plenty of websites that allow you to connect with students who are looking for a private tutor, including sites like Upwork, Guru and iTutor. You can charge a set fee for each lesson or you can offer an hourly rate.

If you have some technical expertise, you can also build an app that will help people solve a problem they’re facing. You’ll need to come up with a unique idea and hire a programmer to take care of the rest, but this is an excellent way to make money online.

For example, a website called UserTesting pays reviewers $10 to test out new websites and apps. You’ll communicate with the entrepreneur through a video chat and be asked to navigate the site or app. The whole process usually takes only 20 minutes and you can do it again and again.

You can also make a lot of money by reselling products that you don’t use or need anymore. You can sell items on eBay or on second-hand websites such as Depop and Vinted. You can even buy wholesale products from brands like AliExpress and resell them on your own online store.

Another way to resell products is to become an affiliate. You’ll earn a commission when someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase. Generally, you’ll need a website and marketing skills to become an affiliate, but some companies will pay you for simply sharing a link.

If you’re a student or have some free time during holidays, you can make some extra cash by buying and selling textbooks. Many online sellers sell second-hand books, and you can also find textbooks on Amazon Marketplace. For best results, aim to sell your textbooks just after freshers’ week when there will be a high demand. You can also try selling them on a site such as Nexus Notes or Stuvia, although you’ll likely be able to get more for your books if they’re typed up rather than handwritten.