How to Make Money on the Internet

The Internet has changed the world.  You can shop for practically anything online. You can learn practically anything online. Children do homework and even go to school online.

The Internet has also opened up an entirely new way of doing business. In fact, there are many ways you can make money on the internet and for Baby Boomers who need or want to continue to work (in some capacity) after retirement, the idea of starting their own business via the Internet is an intriguing prospect.  Let's take a look at some of the most popular ways to make money online...

Affiliate Marketing

This business model is one of the most popular. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get into Internet marketing. An affiliate marketer earns money by pre-selling products or services for other companies.

An affiliate marketer begins with a niche - a specialty topic. You then create a website based on that topic. You provide an abundance of article content and information about that topic. This draws traffic to your website. You promote affiliate products by writing information about the products or services you’re representing.

For example, you could create an affiliate website on slow cookers. The content you create on your website could range from reviews of slow cookers to slow cooker recipes or unique ways to use your slow cooker. In the review articles and other content you include a text link or two to the company’s sales page. For each slow cooker you sell, you earn a commission.

Information Marketer

Information marketing, like affiliate marketing, is a fairly easy way to make money on the internet. However, unlike affiliate marketing, as an information marketer you’re creating your own information products and promoting them online. Information products are products that provide information. They include books, videos, online courses and even seminars and workshops.

Like an affiliate marketer, the key to success is to choose a specialty topic or niche. Create content to support that topic and draw traffic to your website. You can then build an opt-in list and begin marketing your information products to your visitors.

Ecommerce

Ecommerce is essentially selling a product online. You can sell a handmade product such as jewelry or bath products, or you can become a representative for another company, or manufacture products. Many internet business owners are artisans. They create what they sell online. There are sites that support this type of business owner. They include but certainly aren’t limited to Etsy, Foodzie, eBay and so on. You can use these ecommerce sites to create a store, or you can create your own website to sell your merchandise.

Service Provider

Finally, the other major business model is to become a service provider. This is a great way to make a supplementary income or to create a full-time business. You can provides services ranging from freelance writing, administrative help, graphic design, personal coaching, or even health and fitness training.

If you have a background in a service, consider creating an online business around that experience. You’ll market your business with a website. It’s a great option because you can choose your hours, your clients, set your own rates and make a living helping other people while doing something you enjoy.

We’ve covered four of the most common types of Internet business models. However it’s not an exhaustive list and, if you’re interested in making money online, start by taking a look at your skills, interests and then try to match them with what people need. Design a business that helps solve a problem and you’re off to a great start.