10 Legit Ways to Make Money Online with Zero Investment

Want to make money online with zero investment? In today’s digital age, the allure of making money online without any initial financial outlay is increasingly palpable. The internet brims with opportunities that require more creativity, consistency, and dedication than capital. From becoming a content creator on platforms like YouTube or TikTok to offering freelance services on sites like Upwork and Fiverr, the potential to generate income is vast. Similarly, participating in affiliate marketing allows one to earn commissions by promoting products, while taking online surveys or testing websites can offer quick earnings.

Platforms like Medium’s Partner Program also provide writers a chance to monetize their articles based on reader engagement. However, it’s crucial to remember that while the monetary investment might be zero, the time and effort invested are significant. Success in these endeavors demands persistence, continuous learning, and adaptability to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The Internet presents many people with the ideal opportunity to earn a little additional money. However, there are several different ways to make money online, some of which are quicker and more convenient. Today, we’ll look at 10 potential “make money online with zero investment” ideas, initiatives, and other entrepreneurial endeavors you might start to learn how to generate money online.

Start affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is an excellent method to earn money online, in part due to its accessibility. A blog and a number of affiliate marketing agreements with well-known brands whose products and services you wish to sell are all you need. This is the best way to make money online with zero investment.

In essence, affiliate marketing entails writing blog posts in which you promote or link to products in your affiliate program. Each time a reader of your blog purchases a product after clicking on one of your links, you will receive a commission.

Affiliate marketing is one of the best methods for online bloggers and ecommerce store brand blogs to generate revenue. Freelance writers with an aptitude for SEO can develop a robust income stream by partnering with high-quality brands and digital products, although this is not always ideal for novices.

Note that affiliate marketing can also be a great method to supplement your ecommerce income online.

Remember that affiliate marketing is simpler if your blog already has a loyal readership. For this reason, while affiliate marketing doesn’t cost a lot of money, it may take some time before you have enough people consuming your content to make it worthwhile.

• Computer, WordPress, or another blog platform, and an affiliate marketing partnership are required.
• Time to earn money: four or more weeks.
• How to establish: Create a blog, enroll in an affiliate marketing program, and write articles that contain links to affiliate products.

Best Affiliate Marketing Platforms

1. Amazon Associates
   • One of the most well-known platforms, it allows affiliates to promote and earn commissions on a vast range of products sold on Amazon.
2. ClickBank
   • A marketplace for digital products that offers high commission rates.
3. ShareASale
   • A large affiliate network with thousands of merchants offering a variety of products and services.
4. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
   • A major global affiliate platform is known for its expansive network of advertisers and high-quality standards.
5. Rakuten Advertising (formerly Rakuten LinkShare)
   • Though smaller than others, it features some big-name brands.
6. Bluehost Affiliate Program
   • A hosting company that offers a lucrative affiliate program for promoting its hosting services.
7. Shopify Affiliate Program
   • Earn commissions by promoting Shopify’s e-commerce platform.
8. JVZoo
   • Focuses on digital products, similar to ClickBank, and offers instant payouts.
9. WarriorPlus
   • Known for its focus on information products and tools in the internet marketing niche.
10. Avangate Affiliate Network

• Specializes in software and digital goods.

Build a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is an innovative business model in which you form partnerships with product suppliers, manufacturers, and shipping companies. Here is how it operates:

• You market products made by a third party, such as a manufacturer, under your store brand. You can use a platform like Amazon or your own ecommerce website to practice dropshipping.
• When a customer places an order for a product, the order is sent to a fulfillment specialist, such as a shipping company, to manage delivery and shipping.
• You receive a portion of the profits without having to store inventory or manufacture products.

Dropshipping is a viable business model and a great method to make money online, although it may sound too good to be true. It is also a fantastic method to make money online if you lack the infrastructure to operate a conventional ecommerce brand.

However, dropshipping necessitates a brand and the formation of supplier partnerships. Prepare to conduct extensive research to determine which products will be the most profitable and worth your time to market.

Eventually, you can earn passive income and additional cash through this “side hustle.”

• Computer and research materials are required.
• Time to earn money: four or more weeks.
• How to establish: Construct a brand website, join a dropshipping-enabled platform, establish partnerships with product suppliers and fulfillment companies, and sell products.

Freelancing

Freelance work is more prevalent than ever, and for good reason. It’s a great method to supplement your income or find a new full-time position. Freelancing is also the best way to make money online with zero investment.

If you have a skill set in high demand, such as graphic design or freelance writing, you may be able to earn enough money to cover all of your expenses and then some without working for a traditional company or agency.

However, you must hustle to acquire the majority of your clients through sites and mobile applications such as Fiverr and Upwork. The clients of these freelance job boards publish jobs that they need to be completed.

You will then contend with other independent contractors to complete the necessary work. Many entrepreneurs start this business to earn additional money, but you can consistently earn money from home with this method.

You may not earn a lot of money at first, and you will need to establish your reputation from scratch. However, if you persevere, you will become a freelancer in high demand and be able to raise your rates, genuinely escalating your potential for success to the next level.

Freelance work is rewarding and enables you to set your own hours without having to worry about being “on the clock”

• A computer, specialized software, webcam, and microphone are required.
• Time required to receive money: 24 hours or more.
• Join freelance job boards, search out clients, and complete assignments.

Best Freelancing Platforms

1. Upwork
   • One of the largest platforms with a wide variety of job categories.
2. Fiverr
   • Allows freelancers to list their services as “gigs” starting at $5.
3. Freelancer
   • Features a vast range of job categories and allows freelancers to bid on projects.
4. Toptal
   • A more exclusive platform focused on connecting top-tier freelancers with clients.
5. Guru
   • Offers a workroom where freelancers can manage their work and payments.
6. Behance (JobList)
   • While primarily a portfolio platform for designers, it also features a job listing section.
7. PeoplePerHour
   • Particularly popular among European freelancers and clients.
8. Dribbble Jobs
   • Known for its design-focused community; the job board connects designers with potential clients.
9. 99Designs
   • A platform focused on design contests where clients provide specifications, and designers submit their proposals.
10. Simply Hired

• A job listing platform that also offers a freelancing section.

Related: How to Make Money with Dropshipping: A Comprehensive Guide

Online surveys

Websites like Surveyjunkie and Swagbucks make online surveys readily available and accessible. On this site and others, you can participate in online surveys for marketing firms and agencies seeking to gauge public opinion on a variety of issues, such as the types of products you prefer and your thoughts on particular topics. Online surveys are the way to make money online with zero investment.

Typically, completing online surveys yields modest cash rewards (occasionally in the form of gift cards). This work allows you to earn money online gradually; it’s a great method to earn extra cash while doing something else, such as browsing the Internet or watching television.

Some websites may require you to test websites, complete tutorials, or perform other small duties in addition to responding to surveys.

Obviously, you will not become wealthy by completing online surveys. Nonetheless, this could be a great method to add to your gift card collection or earn money semi-passively without wasting time.

For optimal results, investigate which survey companies and websites are available and how much they pay for your participation.

• Computer is a prerequisite.
• Money-earning time: 1+ hours.
• How to establish: Join a survey site, complete surveys, and earn cash or gift cards.

Virtual Assistant

For CEOs, administrators, and others, virtual assistants serve as digital secretaries. As a virtual assistant, you will perform a variety of responsibilities and duties, including:

• Facilitating scheduling.
• Notifying clients of upcoming appointments.
• Organizing the data or spreadsheets of your clients.
• Speaking with consumers (in certain circumstances).
• Inputting of data.

You can become a virtual assistant with minimal setup time and no degree requirement. However, depending on your employer, you may be required to be at your client’s beck and call, limiting your freedom and flexibility.

Nonetheless, working as a virtual assistant could be an excellent way to earn money online, particularly if you are unable to leave the house or cannot earn money in any other way. Numerous virtual assistants earn respectable part-time incomes.

As your reputation and clientele grow, you could increase the price you charge for your services.

• A computer, microphone and earpiece, webcam, Microsoft Office software and additional software tools are required.
• Time required to earn money: a few days to a few weeks.
• How to establish: Create a resume, apply for positions as a virtual assistant, join a virtual assistant agency, and begin working.

Related: How to Make Money Online in Pakistan in 2023: A Complete Guide

Start a YouTube channel

YouTube offers creators a great deal of potential, and many would-be creators and influencers have started YouTube channels to earn money online.

You can create niche-specific video content on YouTube, ranging from entertainment to education and beyond.

Your YouTube channel can take any form you choose. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who wish to earn money online. Remember that you will not begin generating money on YouTube until you have amassed a large number of views or subscribers.

The greater the number of views and subscribers, the greater the likelihood that YouTube will position advertisements on your videos. The more advertisements that are displayed, the more money you will earn from YouTube. You can also participate in advertising programs as your popularity and content audience grow.

In many ways, you can and should consider using YouTube to supplement your income if you already have an online brand through your entrepreneurial endeavors and your social media presence.

• Requirements: Video camera, video editing software, YouTube account, and video production experience (though a degree is not required).
• Minimum time to earn money: weeks, if not months.
• How to establish: Create a YouTube account, create videos, monitor metrics, create new videos, and acquire subscribers and many views to generate income.

Become a social media influencer

Have a passion for online conversation and sharing your favorite interesting things? As a social media influencer, you could quickly earn money online. You will publish content on platforms such as Instagram, Twitch, Facebook, and TikTok as a social media influencer.

However, how do you earn money? Once you have established an audience, you can promote the goods and services of marketing partners, such as brands whose products you already know and trust.

Social media influencers are essential components of the majority of digital marketing strategies, so there are numerous employment opportunities in this field.

Obviously, it is simpler to become a social media influencer than to achieve success as one. To be successful, you will need to devote a substantial amount of time to cultivating your audience and establishing your brand’s reputation for authenticity. This is not a quick means to earn money, but it can be a valuable side opportunity over time.

• Requirements: Social media profiles, brand, and marketing experience.
• Minimum time to receive money: weeks.
• How to establish: Join social media platforms, begin advertising, and establish brand partnerships.

Online tutoring

What if you enjoy imparting the expertise you’ve gained over time? You are not required to become a certified educator. Indeed, you can earn money via the Internet by providing online tutoring.

You will work with parents and their children to teach them valuable subjects as an online tutor. Particularly in demand is online tutoring for English as a second language, as many children from countries where English is not the primary language must acquire it for business or college opportunities.

If you have a degree in education, it will be easier to discover clients and earn the most money possible as an online tutor. This is also a way to make money online with zero investment.

Similar to other freelance endeavors, as you complete tasks, your reputation will grow, allowing you to increase your tutoring rates. Online tutoring is flexible and can be an excellent method to spend one’s time productively.

Once you’re well-known enough, you can create your own website and online courses on demand, thereby generating even more additional income.

• Teaching degree or degree in the subject you desire to teach, webcam, microphone, and educational software are requirements.
• Minimum time to receive money: weeks.
• How to establish: Have teaching experience, then join online teaching sites to post your resume and experience to attract new clients and students.

Best Online Tutoring Platforms

1. Tutor.com
   • A comprehensive tutoring platform covering various subjects and catering to students from elementary to college level.
2. Chegg Tutors
   • Known for its textbook rental service, Chegg also offers online tutoring in numerous subjects.
3. WizIQ
   • A virtual classroom software that also serves as a platform for educators to offer their courses.
4. VIPKid
   • Connects English teachers with young students in China. The platform focuses on teaching English as a second language.
5. Teachable
   • While more of a course platform, it allows educators to set up and sell their courses.
6. Skooli
   • A platform where tutors are rigorously screened, ensuring high-quality education in various subjects.
7. TutorMe
   • Offers tutoring in over 300 subjects with a focus on instant connections between students and tutors.
8. Brainfuse
   • Provides online tutoring for students of all ages, from elementary to college and beyond.
9. Varsity Tutors
   • Connects students with private tutors for one-on-one instruction in various subjects.
10. Preply

• A platform that focuses on language learning, connecting students with language tutors from around the world.

Run a podcast

Podcasting is a popular way to earn money online, especially for those who already have established identities or a large number of subscribers to their online stores, blogs, or other content. When you host a podcast, you can conduct interviews with fascinating individuals and converse with your audience about topics you are knowledgeable about.

Podcasting is an expansive discipline. In most cases, you can earn money by hosting your podcast for free and negotiating advertising agreements with other brands. Then, identical to traditional radio programs, there will be commercials in the middle of your program.

Obviously, this requires you to develop a large enough audience to make it worthwhile for marketers to pay you to air their advertisements on your podcast. Nonetheless, this could be an excellent source of supplemental income. If your podcast becomes sufficiently profitable, you can even rely on it as your primary source of income.

• Podcast software, a microphone, a script, a website, and a hosting platform are required.
• In most instances, making money takes months.
• How to establish: Create a podcast concept, establish a brand or audience, produce podcast episodes, and negotiate advertising agreements with marketers.

Best Podcasting Platforms

1. Anchor
   • A free platform that allows users to create, distribute, and monetize their podcasts. It’s known for its user-friendly interface.
2. Apple Podcasts
   • One of the most established podcast directories, many podcasters prioritize their presence on this platform.
3. Spotify
   • A music streaming giant that has made significant inroads into the podcasting space.
4. Podbean
   • A podcast hosting platform and directory that offers monetization tools.
5. Stitcher
   • A popular podcast app that also offers its premium service for exclusive content.
6. Overcast
   • A podcast player app known for its features like Smart Speed and Voice Boost.
7. Pocket Casts
   • A well-regarded podcast app with a user-friendly interface.
8. Castbox
   • Offers a vast library of podcasts and features like in-audio search.
9. Google Podcasts
   • Google’s official podcast directory and player.
10. Libsyn (Liberated Syndication)

• One of the oldest podcast hosting platforms, known for its reliable service and advanced metrics.

Related: 30 Strategies to Earn Money Fast in 2023

Start an online store

Consider establishing your own ecommerce store if you want to earn a fortune. When you open an online store, you can choose the products and customers you sell. Obviously, this requires a great deal of effort, but it could be an excellent long-term strategy for achieving your entrepreneurial goals.

Obviously, operating an online store requires startup capital and a website. If you lack either of these, you will need to acquire them, as well as a business plan, a brilliant business concept, and possibly even employees. From there, managing an online business is comparable to managing a brick-and-mortar business in significant ways.

You can create an online store on Etsy, Shopify, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even Craigslist if you have an internet connection and a desire to launch a small business.

Obtain a distinct domain name and create an AdSense account to commence marketing. Your venture can eventually earn a substantial amount of money, especially as satisfied customers refer you to others.

• Online storefront, business experience, products, and a business plan are prerequisites.
• In most instances, making money takes months.
• How to establish: Develop a business concept, create a website or employ someone to do it for you, manufacture and market your products, and establish your brand.

Best Online Store Platforms: Make money online with zero investment

1. Shopify
   • A user-friendly platform with a range of customizable templates. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
2. WooCommerce
   • A free WordPress plugin that allows you to turn your WordPress site into a fully functional e-commerce store.
3. BigCommerce
   • A cloud-based platform designed for growth and scalability, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
4. Wix eCommerce
   • Part of the Wix website builder, this solution is perfect for smaller stores and those new to e-commerce.
5. Squarespace
   • Known for its stunning templates, Squarespace also offers e-commerce capabilities for online stores.
6. Magento
   • An Adobe company, Magento is a powerful platform used by many enterprise-level businesses.
7. Weebly eCommerce
   • Weebly’s website builder includes features to help you set up an online store with ease.
8. PrestaShop
   • An open-source platform with a large community and a variety of add-ons.
9. OpenCart
   • A free, open-source platform that offers a range of features and extensions.
10. Volusion

• Offers a variety of e-commerce tools and features, focusing on store building and management.

Conclusion

In summing up, the digital realm offers a plethora of opportunities to make money online with zero investment. While the absence of capital costs is indeed appealing, the road to substantial online earnings is paved with dedication, time, and genuine effort. The key is to harness one’s skills, stay updated with digital trends, and commit to consistent effort. As the saying goes, ‘It’s not about having time, it’s about making time.’ In the world of online earning with zero investment, time and talent are the true currencies.