How to Start Making Money Online in 6 Simple Steps for Beginners

Introduction

So, you want to make money online - but you’re not sure where to start. Getting started can feel confusing and overwhelming - especially with so much conflicting advice out there. But this guide breaks it down into six easy steps anyone can follow.

By the end of this, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do, how to do it, and what to focus on first. 

This post may also contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

 Step 1: Know Why You Want to Make Money Online

Before diving in, take a moment to ask yourself why you want to earn money online. Are you looking for passive income? Hoping to quit your full-time job? Trying to pay off your house or student loans quicker? Wanting to be your own boss? Or maybe you just want to monetise your skills?

Having a clear reason will help you stay focused and motivated when things feel slow or challenging. It's your “why” that will keep you going.

Now, quickly write down YOUR why – it may not be any of the above but just be honest with yourself and make sure you write it down. Having a clear ‘why’ will help you pick your niche, so it’s very important to spend time working it out.

Don't stress if you don't have it worked out, download this free planner to help you pick and strategise your why: Free – M7 Business and Finance Solutions

 Step 2: Choose Your Niche - Topic and Audience

Once you know your why, you can choose your focus topic and audience that you want to serve, aka niche. This helps you create content and sell products that connect with your audience and inspire them to act.

Having a strong why will help you pick a high value niche. The right niche will transform your brand into one that your audience trusts and gets genuine value from.

Now, quickly work out your niche. First, write down your skills, passions and experience. Second, write down ‘who’ your skills, passions and experience can help. Third, write down ‘how’ your skills, passions and experiences can help them.

Tip: try and guess your audience’s ‘pain points or success obstacles’; this will help you work out the ‘how’.  

Download this free planner to help you work out your niche and monetise it: Free – M7 Business and Finance Solutions

 Step 3: Pick a Beginner-Friendly Online Business Model

Once you have your niche, it’s time to choose how you’ll make money from it. There are several ways, but here are three of the easiest options for beginners.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s products and earning a commission whenever someone makes a purchase through your unique referral link. One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t need to create your own products or handle any shipping.

To get started, you’ll typically need a few essential tools: a website (such as a Shopify store), social media accounts, and partnerships with affiliate programs.

Keep in mind that some brands may require you to have a strong social media presence or a sizable email list before approving you as an affiliate - though this depends on the niche. The good news is that beginner-friendly affiliate networks like ClickBank offer access to a wide range of products, even if you're just starting out.

2. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an easy way to start an online store without needing to buy or store products. You simply add products to your Shopify website from a supplier. When someone makes a purchase, the supplier ships the product straight to the customer - and you keep the difference between the sale price and the supplier’s cost as your profit. You don’t have to handle packing, shipping, or inventory, making it an affordable and low-risk way to earn money online.

To get started, you’ll need a few key tools: social media accounts, a website (which can be easily built using platforms like Shopify), and reliable suppliers - which you can find through trusted directories like SaleHoo.

One of the main challenges beginners face is finding reputable, profitable suppliers and setting the right product pricing to ensure healthy profit margins. The good news is that platforms like SaleHoo offer tools, guidance, and support to help you overcome these hurdles and build a successful dropshipping business.

 3. Digital Products & AI Content Creation

Digital products and AI creation involve developing and selling items like online courses, design templates, or AI-generated content and tools - all delivered digitally, with no need for physical inventory or shipping. AI-powered tools are especially popular right now, and platforms like the GPT Creator Club can help you quickly create and monetize them effectively.

To get started, you’ll need a few core tools: a website or sales platform (such as Shopify), social media accounts to promote your products, and access to digital creation and AI-generation tools.

One common challenge beginners face is choosing the right type of digital product to create in a crowded market. However, if you focus on a well-defined niche, you’ll have a much better chance of standing out and succeeding.

 Step 4: Set Up Your Online Space

Once you’ve chosen your business model, it’s time to build your online presence. This is your digital storefront - the place where people will find, learn from, and buy from you.

For affiliate marketing, tools like FunnelMates make the setup process fast and beginner-friendly by giving you pre-built websites and email campaigns. You can also use platforms like WordPress or Shopify if you want more control.

If you're starting a dropshipping store, Shopify is a great option. Choose a simple theme, upload your products using apps like DSers, and connect with suppliers through SaleHoo. Add a clear About page, product descriptions, and contact info to build trust with visitors.

If you're selling AI tools, consider using Canva, or ChatGPT to market the tools you’ve learned to make through the GPT Creator Club. You can also build a simple landing page to your Shopify website. To grow your audience, offer a freebie like a checklist or mini guide in exchange for email signups and follow up using ConvertKit or MailerLite

Step 5: Start Getting Traffic (Visitors)

Now it’s time to attract people to your website, store, or content. This is called traffic - and without it, you won’t make sales.

Start by choosing one platform where your target audience already spends time. TikTok, Instagram Reels, Pinterest, and niche Facebook groups are great options. Share helpful, engaging content that speaks to your audience’s needs or pain points. If you're blogging, use AI tools like Chat GPT to write posts that drive search traffic.

If you're using FunnelMates, their built-in email follow-ups and funnels will help you make the most of every click by turning visitors into leads and sales. The goal is to get seen, build trust, and guide people toward taking action.

Stick with one traffic method at first and stay consistent. Over time, as you learn what works, you can expand to other platforms.

 Step 6: Stay Consistent and Keep Going

This might be the most important step. Most people fail not because the method doesn’t work - but because they quit too soon.

You don’t need to work full-time on this. Just stay consistent with small actions each day or week. Whether it’s posting content, updating your store, or learning something new - it all adds up.

Celebrate small wins, like your first 100 visitors, first subscriber, or first sale. These are big milestones when you're just starting out.

Conclusion

Making money online is 100% possible for beginners. With the right niche, a simple business model, and consistent effort, you can build something meaningful - whether it’s a side hustle or a full-time income stream.

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. Take the first step, stay consistent, and let your progress guide your next move.