Search

9 Skills To Learn To Make Money Online (+Tips To Get Started)

If you told me in 2019 that I’d be making money working online, I would have said you’re crazy! But the pandemic has shown all of us that remote working is indeed possible.


In 2020, I started blogging and freelance writing, and when I got my first paycheck from an online writing gig, I could barely believe it. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!


I never thought I could ever make money writing online. I was so convinced that I had to get a job based on what I studied in school, and writing, something I’d always been very passionate about, was just for fun.


The past two years have taught me that this isn’t the least bit true! You can learn new skills, find freelance work online, and work from anywhere that has a decent WiFi connection.


Here are some skills you can learn to make money online.


This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our disclosures for more information.


9 Skills To Learn To Make Money Online


1. Social Media Management

best skills to learn to make money

This is definitely one of the best skills to learn to make money online in this social media age!


Almost every business has some sort of social media presence these days. Whether it’s a Facebook page, Instagram, or TikTok account, business owners are going online to reach a wider audience and stay relevant.


Business owners are busy handling orders, shipments, and dealing with customers. Managing and posting content across multiple social media accounts on top of that is just too much!


That’s where social media managers come in. They help businesses create a content schedule, curate and schedule content across multiple business accounts, and sometimes even engage with followers by replying to comments.


If you love social media and know all its ins and outs, this is for you!


While creating content can be fun, social media managers do it in a very strategic way. It’s important to understand your client’s target audience and create content that really resonates with them.


Helpful resources to learn social media management


Free


Others


2. Content Writing


If you enjoy writing and have a knack for words, this is perfect for you!


As a content writer, you help business owners create written content for their website, blog, online magazine, newsletters, etc.


The written content may be in the form of a how-to guide, listicle, product reviews, and checklists to help your client’s target audience with their specific pain points.


To be a content writer, you need research skills and a flair for writing. Your writing should be well-researched and informative to help the brand you’re working with build trust and credibility.


Helpful resources to learn content writing


Free


Others


3. Copywriting

skills to learn to make money

This is another skill that’s in high demand these days. It’s often confused with content writing, but the two have a distinct difference.


While they both involve writing for brands, their purpose differs. Content writers inform and educate readers to help a brand build trust and credibility.


Copywriters, on the other hand, persuade people to take a certain action, for e.g. buy a certain product, or sign up for something.


While content writers are engaged to write informative blog posts, copywriters are approached to write persuasive copy for ads, sales pages, and promotional materials.


As a copywriter, it’s important to understand your client’s target audience and write copy that attracts their attention and resonates with them.


Helpful resources to learn copywriting


Free


Others


4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)


When we talk about skills to learn to make money online, SEO is definitely high up on that list!


SEO is all about driving traffic to websites or blogs through organic search results on search engines like Google. This is a great skill to have for web developers and content writers.


Designing a website isn’t enough. To get site visitors through Google, a website needs to be SEO-optimized.


Likewise, writing informative blog posts isn’t enough. To get views, the blog posts must be SEO-optimized.


These days, most business websites have a blog to draw readers in and drive conversion. For this to happen, people should come across the blog when they search for certain keywords on Google.


People usually click on websites that appear on the first or second page of their search results. As such, business owners often engage the services of SEO experts to help them rank on the first page of Google to increase the odds of people landing on their site.


This is also a useful skill to have as a freelancer who has a website to draw new clients in. With SEO knowledge, you can use the right keywords and optimize your website to get more potential clients landing on your page.


Helpful resources to learn SEO


Free


Others


5. Graphic Design

skills to learn to make money

Humans are visual creatures. This explains why we are so drawn to platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.


These days, brands have various design needs, e.g. logo design, promotional materials, and visual content.


Smaller brands that don’t have an in-house graphic designer may engage the services of a freelancer on a case-to-case basis.


This is also a great skill to hone for social media managers, especially if you create a lot of content for different platforms. Being able to design visually attractive posts that catch the attention of your client’s target market could boost engagement rates and conversions.


There are various design tools available out there including Photoshop and Canva. While Photoshop can be a little intimidating for newbies, Canva is pretty beginner-friendly.


Plus, it’s free to use. You can design a variety of different things using Canva including Instagram posts, stories, pins, posters, and logos.


You can upgrade to Canva Pro for more design options and features. It’s a great investment for social media managers, as they can use Canva Pro to schedule posts to various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.


Helpful resources to learn graphic design


Free


Others


6. Web Design


Most businesses these days have a website to promote their products and services. Designing a website can be a daunting and time-consuming task. For this reason, business owners often hire help to set up their websites.


Web development is often associated with coding, but nowadays, there are easy-to-use website builders like Wix that don’t require coding. You can open a free Wix account and get familiar with the user interface.


Once you learn how to design a website on Wix, you can offer your web design services online.