Working Girl to Work At Home Mom, this is my story....
Everybody wants to make money online, and so I am happy to share how I am doing just that! I decided to create this post for those of you who are curious about how to make money online or are skeptical about how one can REALLY do it. Now I am not a six-figure sister YET, but by making the most of my skills and diversifying my streams of income I have been able to successfully work from home, pay my bills, and meet my family’s needs.
My story is a common one I think because like many web entrepreneurs, my online gig started off as a hobby turned into a side hustle and now a work at home business. I want to start off by saying that I am only one of many web entrepreneurs out there, so I can tell you that there are a million and one business ventures that you can tap into online. As for me, I've successfully made money online from the following:
1. Developing Websites
If you have a skill that you can offer to others online, monetize it. Though I am currently not working on any new sites, I have sold a number of web services like web design and blog design. Right now my web services are limited to banner design and urban marketing for web entrepreneurs. I've learned how to turn my design skills into an online business and this is something that you can do too. You don't have to be a web designer, there are lots of ways to turn a skill into web profit. Exploring your skill set and learning how to turn it into an income is something that I talk about in my web coaching program for entrepreneurs.
2. I make money online through affiliate programs.
I actually did an audio postcast on 'How I pay my Rent with Google Adsense Revenue' . I also generate an additional $200 - $500 a month from other affiliate programs that I work with. Some solicited me with their service and others are from niche specific sites that I incorporate into my webpages and blogs. I know that most entrepreneurs don't have much luck with affiliate programs, but it's not because they don't work and it's not about luck. Generating money from affiliate programs requires more than just cutting and pasting links onto your site. It's really a matter of knowing how to use them. I have several techniques that have worked for me, which I am now teaching to others.
3. Selling Ad Space
On the topic of affiliate sales, I also make money by selling ad space on my sites. I find that there are so many website owners who have decent traffic and no income, because they don't know how to turn their clicks into cash. There are tons of ways to not only self promote on your site, but use it as a marketing tool for others. I actually have a simple guide on setting up and selling ad space on your website, if this is something you would like to do.
4. Having a blog is an integral part of my online success.
My blogs serve as free promotion and also spaces to house affiliate program links as well as informative posts that keep readers interested in what I do. Blogging really does bring in the bucks. Whether I am sharing an informative post, which brings in new readers or posting about my business to bring in more customers, I am always finding new ways to tap into the promotional and profit potential of my blog. And yes, I've got more than one blog, on various niche topics. Creating niche specific blogs, like my SistaSense Busines Blog, has helped me to increase my visibility by appealing to different target audiences. Niche Marketing is something that I talk about all the time because it really works. You have to learn how to make your own market if you want to make money online. And you also need to know about the types of web tools that can help your blog or business grow.
5. I sell eBooks.
Information is gold online. If you know how to do something that is in demand by others in your field you can capitalize on that by creating information tools like eBooks, online courses, teleseminars, and more. Of course, it helps your sales if you have an audience who wants to buy. I've created my own networks and shared my tips on creating social networks, because these are the spaces that have helped me increase my online exposure and sales.
These are my most profitable means of making money online with a few others that I have up my sleeve. To learn more about making money online join my web coaching program. My goal is to show other aspiring entrepreneurs that it's possible to make money online if you learn how it can be done.
Originally posted on the SistaSense Blog.
Posted by: LHenry creator of the SistaSense eBussines Blog, a series of Web Business Howto Guides, BBWO Network for Professional Black Women and the Web Newbie Know How Coaching Program.
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This is a very interesting story b/c so many ppl wanna know how to make money online but none really know where to begin. I have 2 online businesses that i run www.Shop-Luscious.com & www.SendOutCards.com/98658 that are fairly successful. Im not yet able to live off of them solely, but it sure feels good to get those extra checks in the mail :)
Great write-up. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on how you make your money on-line. It's so easy to get discouraged when you don't make money immediately. It can take time and one must learn web marketing. Just because you throw a product up on a website does not mean it will sell. I have learned so much from you over the last few months and say "thank you" for everything.
I have a new site that I put up a month ago. Giving a try at marketing products for women and my travel biz. Thanks.....
I've noticed your progress over the last few months and I think it's great! Stay motivated Teresa, and I thank you for supporting all that I do on BBWO.
I have just written my first book "Emotionally Unhinged" and I also do a lot of marketing products (brochures, business cards, invitations, flyers, etc.). Check me out at www.freewebs.com/anotherquecreation
Replies
Great write-up. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on how you make your money on-line. It's so easy to get discouraged when you don't make money immediately. It can take time and one must learn web marketing. Just because you throw a product up on a website does not mean it will sell. I have learned so much from you over the last few months and say "thank you" for everything.
I have a new site that I put up a month ago. Giving a try at marketing products for women and my travel biz. Thanks.....
Ebonywoman
lhenry