6-Techniques that Require Dedication or Regular Attention

Finally, here are some money-making methods that will take some real effort and dedication. In return, they can pay back handsomely, but you have to put the energy into them to get the returns. Before you get started with some of these, make sure you have a bit of a passion for them: Start a Blog or YouTube Channel Starting a blog, by itself, is not a good way to make money. You don't just start typing and watch the money roll in. However, the keys to a successful blog have been the same for years: write in your own voice, cover things you're passionate about, use the right tool for the job, and get the word out by engaging the greater community. It'll take time, but as you find your niche and stick to your guns, an audience will find you. Don't be afraid to monetize your blog. Banner advertising and affiliate programs can bring in a good amount of money. Some of the web's most popular blogs rely on affiliate links, including the great guys at The Wirecutter and the style and design blog Notcot. Amazon's Affiliate Program is one of the web's biggest, but Commission Junction supports thousands of online retailers as well. Check with your favorite retailers and see if they have a program you can sign up for. Just make sure to steer clear of shadier advertising methods so you don't risk your site's credibility. If you're not interested in starting your own blog but you wouldn't mind getting paid to write, you can always sign up for a content farm like Demand Media or Yahoo Voices (formerly Associated Content) to produce articles for sites like eHow, Livestrong, and Answers.com. They usually pay pennies—in some cases $0.99 per article—but if you're a quick writer and can tackle basic topics or write ordered lists concisely, it may be worth looking into. If you're looking for a career in writing though, steer clear. If you'd rather show than tell, consider a YouTube channel. Depending on what you want to do, that ship may have sailed and there's way too much competition to get noticed (e.g. Let's Play videos, game tutorials, makeup and style guides, unboxing videos, etc) but if you have a good niche or a great angle for your videos, it won't take much to get noticed. Don't be afraid to promote yourself, share your hard work, and get eyes on what you do, whatever that is.