Making money online isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle for millions of people around the world. Whether you’re looking to ditch your 9-to-5, earn extra cash on the side, or build a fully remote business, the internet offers limitless opportunities. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start or which method fits your skills and goals.

That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive marketing checklist to guide you through the most proven and profitable ways to make money online today. From automating YouTube channels to launching a dropshipping store, from freelancing your talents to completing microtasks and surveys, this guide breaks down the exact steps you need to take.

You’ll discover:

• The tools and platforms you need
• How difficult it is to get started (spoiler: some are super beginner-friendly!)
• What makes each method unique and how you can turn it into a steady income

Ready to turn your laptop or smartphone into a money-making machine? Let’s dive into the checklist and find your next online income stream.

The Ultimate Marketing Checklist for Making Money Online

In today’s digital world, there are countless ways to make money online. Whether you’re looking to build passive income streams or offer professional services, there’s a method for everyone. Below is a detailed checklist covering the most popular ways to earn money online.

1. YouTube Automation

Description:

YouTube automation is a business model where you create and grow YouTube channels without personally appearing in videos. It involves outsourcing video creation, editing, voiceovers, and thumbnails, or using AI tools.

Barrier to Entry:

• Medium: Requires understanding of YouTube SEO and monetization rules.
• Initial investment in tools or freelancers for video creation.

Tools Needed:

• TubeBuddy – for keyword research, SEO optimization, and analytics.
• Invideo AI – to generate AI-powered videos with voiceovers.
• Clippie AI – for creating engaging YouTube Shorts from long-form content.
• Dreamface – AI avatar generator for faceless YouTube content.

How to Get Started:

Getting started is easy and with different ai tools in place, you don’t need to invest too much money. For more information, check out our article about making money with YouTube automation.

2. Dropshipping

Description:

Dropshipping is an eCommerce model where you sell products online without holding inventory. When someone places an order, the supplier ships it directly to the customer.

Barrier to Entry:

• Low to Medium: Easy to start but requires marketing skills to drive traffic to your store.

Tools Needed:

• Shopify – to build and manage your online store.
• AliExpress – a marketplace to source affordable products.
• Amazon Business – for sourcing high-quality products in bulk or wholesale.

For more information about making money with dropshipping, check here.

3. Freelancing

Description:

Freelancing involves offering your skills as a service to clients globally. Popular niches include writing, graphic design, coding, and virtual assistance.

Barrier to Entry:

• Low: If you have skills, you can start with minimal investment.

Tools Needed:

• Fiverr – for selling services starting at $5.
• Upwork – for connecting with clients who post high-value freelance jobs.

For more information, check out our article about making money with freelancing.

4. Completing Microtasks

Description:

Microtask platforms pay users to complete simple online tasks like data entry, categorizing images, or moderating content.

Barrier to Entry:

• Low: No special skills required, but earnings are usually modest.

Tools Needed:

• UserLyrics – for tasks like surveys, transcription, and data labeling.
• Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) – for small tasks like tagging images or data entry.
• Clickworker – for microtasks such as product categorization, writing, and translation.
• Microworkers – for small gigs like testing websites, surveys, and content moderation.
• Appen – for AI training, data annotation, and microtasks.

For more information, check out our article about making money with microtasks.

5. Completing Surveys

Description:

Online surveys pay you for your opinions. Companies use survey feedback for market research and product development.

Barrier to Entry:

• Very Low: Anyone can sign up and start earning small amounts.

Tools Needed:

• SurveyMonkey – a platform where you can get paid for completing surveys or helping businesses gather data.
• Swagbucks – offers surveys, polls, and other online tasks for rewards.
• Toluna Influencers – provides surveys and product testing.
• InboxDollars – pays for surveys, watching videos, and other online activities.
• Pinecone Research – a higher-paying survey site with limited availability.

For more information, check out this article about making money with surveys.

6. Blogging

Description:

Blogging involves creating and publishing written content around a niche. You can monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.

Barrier to Entry:

• Medium: Requires consistent content creation and SEO knowledge.

Tools Needed:

• X (formerly Twitter) – to share your blogs and engage an audience.
• Medium – a platform where writers can earn money based on engagement.
• Substack – for building an email list and monetizing with paid newsletters.

For more information, check out our article about making with blogging.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Description:

Affiliate marketing is promoting other people’s products/services and earning a commission for every sale or action generated through your referral link.

Barrier to Entry:

• Low to Medium: Requires knowledge of marketing and an audience (via blog, YouTube, social media, etc.).

Tools Needed:

• ShareASale – a large affiliate network with brands across industries.
• Impact – connects affiliates with top global brands.
• MaxBounty – specializes in CPA (Cost Per Action) affiliate offers.
• CPAGrip – offers a wide variety of CPA offers, including content locking.
• WarriorPlus – focuses on digital products, especially in the online marketing niche.

For more information about making money with affiliate marketing, check here.

8. Influencer Marketing

Description:

Influencer marketing involves partnering with brands to promote products or services to your audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.

Barrier to Entry:

• Medium to High: Requires building an engaged audience and personal brand.

Tools Needed:

• Social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube).
• Influencer marketplaces like AspireIQ or Influencity (optional).
• Analytics tools like HypeAuditor for audience insights.

For more information about making money with influencer marketing, check out here.

9. Providing Services Online

Description:

This involves setting up a specialized agency to offer services like web design, video editing, copywriting, or SEO to businesses and individuals.

Barrier to Entry:

• Medium: Requires industry-specific skills and marketing to attract clients.

Tools Needed:

• Web Design Agency: WordPress, Elementor, Adobe XD/Figma.
• Video Editing Agency: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
• General Services: CRM tools like Trello or Asana to manage projects.
• Payment processing: PayPal, Stripe, or Wise for handling client payments.

For more information about selling services online, check here.

Bonus Tips to Maximize Success

• Invest in learning: Whether it’s SEO, Facebook Ads, or video editing, learning increases your earning potential.
• Automate repetitive tasks: Use AI tools or hire virtual assistants to streamline your business.
• Diversify income streams: Don’t rely on one platform—combine multiple methods (e.g., blogging + affiliate marketing).

Conclusion

There are countless ways to make money online, but success depends on choosing a strategy that fits your skills, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re automating a YouTube channel, launching a dropshipping store, freelancing on platforms like Fiverr, completing microtasks and surveys, starting a blog, diving into affiliate marketing, becoming an influencer, or offering professional services—each path offers real opportunities.

The key is to start small, stay consistent, and make use of the right tools like TubeBuddy, Shopify, Fiverr, ShareASale, and more to accelerate your growth.

No matter which route you take from this checklist, the most important step is to take action and stay committed. The digital world is full of possibilities, and with the right mindset and execution, you can build a sustainable online income.