6 Ways to Make Money Online When You Have $0
6 Ways to Make Money Online When You Have $0
By Julian Croft
Updated November 17, 2025
There are several methods to make money online, even if you have no initial investment. With a little creativity, hard work, and the right tools, you can turn your skills and passions into a profitable online venture.
Create Content That People Want
If done correctly, creating and sharing content online can be a lucrative way to make money on the side. Way more than beer money.
This includes blogging, vlogging, podcasting, and creating online courses.
How to get Started
Choose a niche you're passionate about, create high-quality content, and build an audience.
Pros
Semi-passive income, creative freedom, and the potential to build a personal brand.
Cons
Requires consistent effort, time, and a large audience to generate significant income.
Payment Methods: Adsense, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, Patreon, direct donations
Platforms: YouTube, Blogger, WordPress, Udemy, Teachable, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, X, etc.
Countries: Worldwide
Freelancing
Freelancing is a quite popular way to make money online by offering your services to clients. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or virtual assistant, there are plenty of platforms where you can find freelance work.
How to Get Started
Create a compelling online portfolio showcasing your skills and experience. To stand out, you can create a personal website for free to host your portfolio.
After that, just Join popular freelancing platforms like Latium, Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Pros
Flexibility, control over your schedule, and the potential to earn a high income.
Cons
Requires consistent effort, networking, and potentially dealing with difficult clients. No passive income.
How to get Paid
PayPal, direct bank transfer, or other online payment methods.
Platforms
Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Guru, PeoplePerHour, 99designs
Where does it work?
Worldwide
Online Surveys and Microtasks
Taking online surveys and completing microtasks can be a simple way to earn extra cash. While the earnings may be small, they can add up over time.
How it works? Basically, companies want you to answer some questions and get paid for it.
How to Get Started
Sign up for survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Toluna. Complete microtasks on platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk.
Pros:
Easy to get started, flexible, and no special skills required.
Cons
Some sites offer Low earnings per task, can be time-consuming. Some platforms offering these surveys do not pay after answering the questions.
Payment Methods:
Gift cards, PayPal, direct bank transfer
Platforms:
Countries: Worldwide
>>Related: 6 Apps That will pay you today
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people products or services and earning a commission on each sale.
For example, you know a group of people that have a problem and need a solution.
It happens you recently used a product that solves that exact problem.
You then tell your group you found something that will help them.
The company selling this product end up paying you a commission for your recommendation.
How to Get Started
Choose a niche, find affiliate programs, and promote products or services through your website or social media.
Pros
Passive income potential, low startup costs, and the ability to work from anywhere.
Cons
Requires building an interested audience and generating traffic to your website or social media.
Payment Methods: PayPal, Payoneer, direct bank transfer, check
Platforms: Amazon Associates, Commission Junction, ShareASale
Countries: Worldwide
>>Related: The New Way to Do Affiliate Marketing Today
Online Tutoring
If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer online tutoring services. This can be a great way to share your knowledge and earn a decent income.
How to Get Started
Pros
Flexible schedule, the ability to work from anywhere, and the satisfaction of helping others learn.
Cons
Requires subject matter expertise and strong communication skills.
Payment Methods: Direct payment from students, platform fees
Platforms: TutorMe, VIPKid, Skooli, Chegg Tutors, Whop.
Countries where you can do this: Worldwide
This video below shows how to become a tutor on the internet
Selling Digital Products
If you have skills in design, writing, or other creative fields, you can create and sell digital products online. This includes ebooks, online courses, templates, and digital artwork.
How to Get Started
Create high-quality digital products and promote them through your website or social media.
Pros
Passive income potential, low startup costs, and the ability to sell your products worldwide.
Cons
Requires creative skills and marketing efforts.
Payment Methods: PayPal, Stripe, digital marketplaces
Conclusion
Making money online is a viable option for many people, regardless of their initial investment.
Just leverage your skills, creativity, and online platforms & you will be able to turn your passions into a profitable venture.
Try what suits you personally: freelancing, content creation, online surveys, tutoring, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products,
Any of these ventures can make you money online if done correctly.
You know success in online earning often requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt to current conditions of that environment.
Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices. This will increase your chances of achieving your financial goals.
The online landscape is constantly changing.
So, sign up to our newsletter to stay updated on new methods to make money on the internet.
Note: This post is not a financial advise. Always do your own research before diving into any venture.
BE THE FIRST TO LEARN NEW WAYS TO MAKE MONEY
Learn how to earn money without being 100% involved in the process. Even if you're a beginner.
Learn how to start a private community where people will pay to access your content.
Algorithmic trading uses trading advisors to place trades on the markets to earn profits while you're somewhere else.
12 creative and realistic ideas to turn 10k into 100k for profit. Read more
The New Way to Start Affiliate Marketing. How to make it less time consuming while earning more even as a beginner. Read more
CREATE YOUR OWN TRADING BOT FOR FREE
LET AI TRADE FOR YOU 24/7
By Julian Croft
Julian Croft (Jesse) is the founder of The Hustle Nation, a blog dedicated to helping introverts build genuine passive income (not the hyped one) through faceless, sustainable methods. After a decade in data analysis, he now uses his research skills to cut through the online hype and deliver actionable, trustworthy advice.
Quora Space
The Hustle Nation is your #1 community to find side hustle ideas, online side jobs and passive income ideas for introverts. Join part-time hustlers on the path to financial freedom with proven strategies, tools, and inspiration to benefit from your free time. Learn newest tricks to earn money on the internet without showing your face on a camera. All our posts are not financial advise. Always do Your Own Research for informed decision.