There are certain summers that stick with you—not because everything went smoothly, but because life had a way of handing you exactly the lessons you needed. My internship in the state of Washington, the summer of 1980, was one of those. Back then, I was a junior at Iowa State, trying to line up all the things I thought would guarantee a good job after graduation: solid grades, some campus involvement, and most importantly, that golden ticket on any engineering résumé—an internship in your field. So I spent the spring sending out application after application, collecting a thick stack of rejection letters in return. It became routine enough that some days I’d find myself laughing at how efficiently companies could say “No thanks.” My dorm room wall was full of “flush letters” and I treated it like it was a badge of honor.
Making Money Online - Options and Definitions
Making Money Online - Options and Definitions

In the age of the internet, digital marketing has become an essential tool for businesses to reach a global audience. The rapid growth of this industry has also opened up numerous opportunities for individuals to make money online. Whether you're looking to generate a side income or embark on a full-time career, the digital marketing landscape offers a variety of paths to success. In this article, we'll explore 12 different ways to make money online in the digital marketing space, including a discussion of master resale rights.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money online. It involves promoting other companies' products or services and earning a commission for every sale or lead generated through your referral. To succeed in affiliate marketing, you'll need a platform to reach potential customers, such as a blog, website, or social media account. By providing valuable content and building trust with your audience, you can generate a steady income from affiliate marketing. Popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction.
2. Content Creation
Content creation encompasses a wide range of activities, including blogging, video production, and podcasting. If you can build a large and engaged audience, you can monetize your content through advertising, sponsorships, merchandise sales, or even crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are popular platforms for content creators to make money online. To succeed, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
3. Social Media Management
Many businesses recognize the importance of a strong social media presence but lack the time or expertise to manage it effectively. Social media managers help companies build their online presence, create engaging content, and interact with followers. You can work as a freelancer or start your own social media management agency. Skills in content creation, customer service, and digital marketing are essential for success in this role.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is the practice of optimizing websites to improve their visibility in search engine results. Businesses are willing to pay for SEO experts to help them rank higher on Google and other search engines. As an SEO specialist, you can offer services like keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and technical SEO. SEO consulting can be a lucrative way to make money online, especially if you have a proven track record of success.
5. Email Marketing
Email marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses to engage with customers and drive sales. As an email marketer, you create and manage email campaigns, design templates, and analyze campaign performance. Businesses often hire email marketing specialists to increase their customer base and maintain relationships with existing customers. Platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and Constant Contact are popular tools for managing email campaigns.
6. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
PPC advertising is a form of online advertising where advertisers pay each time someone clicks on their ad. Google Ads and Facebook Ads are the most widely used PPC platforms. If you have experience creating and managing PPC campaigns, you can offer your services to businesses seeking to increase their online visibility. PPC specialists often work as freelancers or start their own agencies.
7. E-commerce and Dropshipping
E-commerce involves selling products online, while dropshipping is a type of e-commerce where you don't keep inventory. Instead, you partner with a supplier who ships products directly to customers on your behalf. This business model allows you to start an online store with minimal upfront investment. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easy to set up and manage an e-commerce business. To succeed, focus on finding a profitable niche and creating a compelling online store.
8. Online Courses and Coaching
If you're an expert in a specific area of digital marketing, you can create online courses or offer coaching services. Many people are willing to pay for guidance and training to improve their skills. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific allow you to create and sell courses online. Alternatively, you can offer one-on-one coaching sessions to individuals or groups. This can be a highly profitable way to share your knowledge and help others succeed.
9. Freelance Writing and Copywriting
Freelance writing and copywriting are in high demand in the digital marketing space. Companies often need content for their websites, blogs, marketing materials, and other platforms. If you have strong writing skills and an understanding of digital marketing, you can find freelance work through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. Copywriting, in particular, is a valuable skill, as it involves creating compelling copy that drives conversions.
10. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing involves partnering with brands to promote their products or services to your audience. If you have a significant following on social media or a popular blog, you can collaborate with companies for sponsored posts, product reviews, or brand ambassadorships. Influencers often receive free products, compensation, or both for their promotional work. Building a strong personal brand and engaging with your audience are key to success in this field.
11. Virtual Events and Webinars
With the rise of remote work and virtual communication, virtual events and webinars have gained popularity. As a digital marketer, you can organize and host virtual events on topics that interest your audience. You can monetize these events through ticket sales, sponsorships, or product promotions. Platforms like Zoom and Hopin make it easy to host and manage virtual events. By offering valuable content and engaging experiences, you can attract a large audience and generate income.
12. Master Resale Rights
Master resale rights refer to the ability to sell digital products and earn revenue from their resale. When you purchase a product with master resale rights, you can resell it and keep 100% of the profit. This can be an excellent way to generate passive income in the digital marketing space. Common products with master resale rights include e-books, online courses, software, and digital templates. To succeed, focus on finding high-quality products with resale potential and marketing them effectively to your audience.
13. Multi-level Marketing (MLM)
Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a business model where individuals sell products or services and earn commissions based on their sales and the sales made by the people they recruit into the organization. While MLMs often promise significant income and flexibility, they can be controversial. Critics argue that MLMs often operate like pyramid schemes, with income primarily coming from recruitment rather than product sales. Supporters contend that MLMs offer a legitimate way to build a business and create additional income streams. If considering joining an MLM, it's crucial to research the company, understand the compensation structure, and evaluate the potential risks.
In conclusion, the digital marketing space offers numerous opportunities to make money online. By choosing a niche that aligns with your skills and interests, you can build a successful online business or career. Whether you pursue affiliate marketing, content creation, social media management, or other avenues, there's ample potential for significant financial rewards with the right approach and dedication.
Tim is a graduate of Iowa State University and has a Mechanical Engineering degree. He spent 40 years in Corporate America before retiring and focusing on other endeavors. He is active with his loving wife and family, volunteering, keeping fit, running the West Egg businesses, and writing blogs and articles for the newspaper.
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋

Long Lake Summers
There are seasons in life you don’t see coming—chapters that don’t announce themselves with fanfare, yet settle so deeply into your memory that years later you can still smell the lake water, feel the pull of the tow rope, and hear the hum of a boat engine echoing across a still summer evening. For me, one of those chapters began the moment I graduated from Iowa State in May of 1981 and took my first real job at 3M. I was barely 22, carrying that mix of confidence and cluelessness that only a new graduate can pull off, and ready to step into the adult world.

Hero of the Beach
When I think back to my childhood— maybe around nine years old—there’s a very specific smell, a very specific feeling, that comes rushing back: the scent of ink and old paper from a stack of Marvel comic books. It’s funny how memory works. I can’t remember what I ate last Tuesday, but I can still picture—clear as day—the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #56 with the Daily Bugle headlines screaming "Spidey joins Doc Ock" sitting on the floor of my bedroom, or the way the corner store rack looked when I spun it, hoping for a new issue of anything with the red-and-blue web-slinger on the front.
