Looking for a casual side hustle or a full-time career? Either way, monetizing your skills leads to new business opportunities, a sustainable income stream, and personal fulfillment—all from the comfort of your home. But so many different opportunities can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’re sharing the top five ways to make your entrepreneurship dreams a reality and earn big bucks online in 2023. 

1. Launch an ecommerce site

According to a Digital Commerce analysis, U.S. ecommerce sales hit $1 trillion in 2022, so it’s no surprise that selling products online has never been more appealing. Plus, with easy ecommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce at your fingertips, finding one that suits your business goals is easy.

• Track content trends by analyzing competitor data, market trends, and popular content using marketing tools like Jungle Scout and BuzzSumo

• Improve SEO and drive more web traffic and high-quality leads to your site using SEO tools like SEMrush

• Leverage qualitative user data from digital experience insights tools like heatmaps, session recordings, and surveys (all available for free on the Hotjar platform) to understand your customer's shopping experience better

2. Flip websites and domains

Flipping websites and domains involves acquiring underutilized or undervalued ones, improving their value, and selling them at a higher price. This method of making money online offers benefits like low initial investment costs and scalability.

• Use market research tools like Google Trends or Ahrefs to identify profitable markets by analyzing search volume and competition

• Acquire valuable domains using tools like Expired Domains or Namecheap. Purchase expired domains, domains with branding potential, or domains with valuable keywords

• Find and fix website issues to maximize the site's value and sell it for a higher price

3. Freelance for a global client base

Do you excel in UX design, copywriting, web design, or translation? Freelancing allows you to capitalize on virtually any talent and work on projects you love. 

• Join freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, 99Designs, or PeoplePerHour to connect with clients seeking your skills

• Identify additional services that enhance your overall value for current customers and offer those to clients

• Launch a professional website to showcase your work and establish credibility with potential clients

4. Become a virtual assistant

Offering administrative or technical support to clients is a lucrative way to make money remotely. The potential for long-term customer relationships makes this an attractive option for people seeking a flexible and remote working opportunity with a potentially regular source of income.

• Enhance your skill set to stay competitive

• Use productivity tools like Monday.com or Trello and time-tracking tools like Toggl to maximize your time

• Join professional communities like the Association of Virtual Assistants for job leads, resources, and networking opportunities

5. Launch a podcast

Podcasts are booming, with listeners tuning in from anywhere, anytime. Similar to YouTube, podcasts cover almost any topic, providing an easy way to share your unique insights and interests with an audience—and earn online income.

• Create bonus content or extended interviews exclusively for paid listeners using platforms like Captivate

• Host live events like workshops and interactive Q&A sessions related to your podcast's niche, and charge admission fees

• Offer voluntary donations through platforms like Buy Me a Coffee for listeners to support your podcast

Bonus: Teach online

Becoming an online educator offers flexibility and a global reach—plus, you’ll make a positive impact on your students’ lives. Build student-centric learning experiences that cater to individual needs and learning styles for an empathetic way to make money.

• Offer personalized tutoring targeted to students' needs and your interests. Find opportunities on platforms like Tutor Me, Chegg Tutors, and Tutor.com

• Build online courses on platforms like Udemy and Teachable to create an engaging learning experience for your students

• Create educational resources like ebooks, study guides, lesson plans, or instructional videos, and then sell them on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers to generate another income stream

Get your business off the ground

Whether you're seeking a part-time gig or a brand-new profession, good user research, the right tools, and a customer-centric mindset will help you navigate the digital space and establish a lucrative online career.