Top 10 Steps to Make Money Online

“Whoever has the most toys when he dies, wins.” That popular quote of the late 1980´s was supposed to be a joke, but many people took it seriously. They soon learned that accumulating lifestyle toys required lots of money and lots of money required lots of work. In the end, they were left with little time to play with their new “toys.” Thus, in the 21st century, leisure time became the most valuable commodity. Exhausted and overworked, some people sought out new ways to stay at home and make money online. Some were successful. Others, not so much. Most websites that focus on earning money online simply offer business ideas, but ideas are useless without a carry-out plan. In order to make money online, you must first develop an effective strategy so you can enjoy the perks of online jobs. Here are 10 steps to follow.

1. Find Your Niche

Savvy entrepreneurs usually have expertise in a variety of areas. Consider these important factors when choosing a niche to monetize. In most cases, products that correspond to your highest level of expertise produce the greatest financial feasibility, but you must also determine how many people actually need this type of product or service. Look at how much competition exists in this area, and figure out whether you can offer greater value. Websites such as Alexa.com and shopping.com show you the most popular products and services that appear in Internet searches.

2. Research Your Competition

Before you establish your position and identity in the World Wide Web shopping mall, you must have a clear idea of what works, and what does not. Peruse the websites of the most popular sellers of similar products and services. Note their layout, the colors and background, and the type of voice they use to communicate with potential customers. Also make a note of websites that put you off, or fail to catch your interest.

3. Establish Your Reputation as an Expert

Whether you want to sell your products and/or services, or earn money from affiliate links, you must first create an allure that draws people to your page. Simply creating “Dick´s Online Tool Sales” will not attract people to Dick´s page, if they have no idea of Dick´s expertise, compared to John or Harry. Before you even create you webpage, establish a strong, social media presence as an expert in your product or service, and as an overall pleasant individual. Answer question, give tips and show photos of your pets. Avoid political discussions at all costs. You´d be surprised at how many people will boycott excellent, well priced products, simply because they disagree with the business owner´s political perspective.

4. Build Your Website and Blog

Create a website that focuses on your area of expertise. You get bonus points for including educational, enlightening and engrossing articles that do not include any type of sales pitch. Your website must show readers, not tell them, why you do things better than your competition.

But please, don´t just list your URL. Start with an overview of what the article is about, then asks questions that encourage discussion.

6. Set Up a Comment Platform with Disqus

Disqus is a comment platform that appears on news sites, blogs and social media websites. Whenever you post a comment on any website, your post links to your user ID, which in turn features your business website. This makes it easier for the search engines to find you.

7. Research Ad Placement and Affiliate Marketing

Explore programs such as Google Adsense, Commission Junction, ClickBank, and other sites. Mix and match different types of ads, until your website looks professional, with a combination of both advertisements and relevant affiliate programs. This is a core foundation how how to make money with an online blog.

8. Hyperlink Ads Within Your Article

Although the idea of ads sounds well and good, with the growing popularity of sites such as Adblock, many readers are not even seeing you ads. Others will quickly close the browser and go to your competition. Instead of loading your page with banner ads, make money with online review by hyperlinking them within your articles. For example, if you wanted to link to a specific book on Amazon, instead of an Amazon ad for the book, write a book review, and hyperlink the ad within the review.

People might not have time to visit your website every day, but most people do read their email. A newsletter keeps your clients informed of the most recent developments in your business. Make it personal and pleasant to read. If your writing leaves much to be desired, hire a professional.

There´s nothing like the possibility of a freebie to catch people´s attention. That is probably why people love to enter contests. Your contest can either take the form of a random drawing, or a referral competition.

The former method gives your product more attention. The latter provides an excellent way to build your client base. As always, promote your contests on your website, social media pages and websites of people with similar interests.