There are many ways to legally make money on the Internet.
There are several inexpensive ways to legally make money on the Internet. Those listed here are suitable for either full-time or part-time business ventures and are popular choices for stay-at-home parents, students, and anyone else who is in need of adding to their current income. Typically, the more time you have to devote to these ideas, the faster you'll begin to see a profit.
Web Design Business
Although helpful, formal schooling is not required when starting a web design business. There are many books and online tutorials that provide comprehensive instructions on all aspects of designing websites. Many of these books can be obtained from the local library, if money is an issue.
All that is required to start this business is a fairly up-to-date computer and a portfolio that showcases your best work. A web design software package, such as Dreamweaver, is recommended. However, it is possible to start out using free software or writing out the code in HTML.
Post ads on Craigslist for no-cost advertising. Take advantage of merchants, like Vista Print, who offer free business cards or create your own. Leave a few behind each time you go out to run errands.
Online Auctions
If you have several items that are no longer useful to you, starting an online auction business is easily accomplished with almost no up-front investment. You pay a small listing fee for each item you sell. Re-investing a portion of your initial profits in additional inventory means even greater profit.
Shipping supplies are available at your local post office and on the USPS website. Supplies such as Priority Mail shipping boxes, envelopes, and packing tape are free. You can streamline the entire shipping process by weighing packages on your own postal scale and printing out postage on your computer. In most areas, your mail carrier will pick up your packages as well.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is another way you can make money on the Internet with very little investment. All that is required for start-up is a good word processing program, an adequate level of writing skill, and a list of possible clients.
Depending on your preference, you have the option of creating resumes, writing newsletters and website copy, and even writing for print magazines. Templates are readily available for resumes and newsletters. If you can write about parenting issues, there are many regional parenting publications that take on new writers.
To generate new business, advertise your writing services on sites such as Craigslist. Make fliers and post them locally. Offer a small discount for referrals.