In today’s digital age, the opportunities for kids to make money online have never been more accessible and exciting. I remember searching for how to make money online as a kid when I was ten years old and trying to make money to buy a copy of Minecraft. I’ve come a long way since then and feel it’s time to share what I’ve learned about how to make money online as a kid.
Whether you’re saving up for your favorite video game, dreaming of your first pet, or simply looking to gain some financial independence, there are various avenues for kids to explore their entrepreneurial spirit. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to make money online as a kid, sharing creative ideas, tips, and tricks to get started.
Table of Contents
First, Seek Parental Guidance
Before diving into the world of online money-making, it’s essential to have a conversation with your parents or guardians. They can provide guidance, ensure your online safety, and help you make informed decisions.
Their support is crucial in making this experience both enjoyable and secure. Nearly all make-money online strategies require you to be 18+, particularly when getting paid, so you’ll need an adult to help you at some point.
Second, Set Clear Goals, Expectations, and Rules
Something else to consider before diving into the world of making money online is what you want to achieve with your earnings. Is it a new gaming console, a trip to your favorite amusement park, or a college fund? Defining your goals will give you a sense of purpose and motivate you to stay committed to your online money-making venture.
You also need to set the right expectations and rules for yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of watching people make thousands of dollars overnight and thinking you can do it too.
I’ll be truthful and upfront in this article. If you’re new to making money online, you’ll likely make zero dollars in your first couple of months. I only started making decent profits (~$1000 per month) after approximately four years.
With this in mind, don’t expect yourself to make tons of money immediately away. Thus, you should also limit your spending. My general rule is not to spend over $100 of your own money monthly when you first start.
Learn how to make money with limited resources and use your profits to scale. Being resourceful is a skill all kids should learn.
Start a Blog
The first thing that comes to mind when someone asks me how to make money online as a kid is to start a blog. This is the first profitable online income I built, and I highly recommend that most people start a blog if they’re new to making money online.
The main reason I recommend starting a blog is because it’s incredibly low-cost. You can get started on a platform like Medium for $5 per month and quickly cover that cost by consistently writing valuable content.
Or, if you want to follow in my steps, I highly recommend you check out Wealthy Affiliate. This is an all-in-one platform that will give you everything you need to build a blogging income stream, including training, hosting, and support to guide you in your journey. It’s the platform that led me to where I am today.
Explore Freelance Work
Of course, blogging isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a fan of writing, you can make money online in countless other ways.
One of the most popular ways to make money online as a kid is by freelancing. I had many classmates who got started this way.
Whether you have a talent for writing, graphic design, or video editing, there are platforms that connect freelancers with clients who need these skills. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer offer opportunities for kids to showcase their talents and earn money.
To get started, create a profile highlighting your skills, experiences, and interests. Be sure to ask your parents for help in setting up your account, as many platforms have age restrictions.
Launch a YouTube Channel
If I were to order this list and talk about my second most recommended make-money strategy, I would say start a YouTube channel. Starting a YouTube channel can be a fun way to share your interests and make money online.
You can monetize your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Just like blogging, however, building a successful channel takes time, so be patient and stay dedicated to your content.
Remember, it’s crucial to create authentic content that you genuinely enjoy, as this will shine through in your videos and attract a loyal audience.
Participate in Online Surveys and Market Research
Now, it is worth mentioning that most strategies on this list are basically about building businesses, which takes time and effort before seeing earnings. If you’re not into that and are just looking for some low-effort pocket change, participating in online surveys and market research studies can be a great option.
Several websites and apps pay kids to share their opinions on various topics. While the earnings will be modest, it’s an easy way to accumulate pocket money.
My favorite platform for this is Swagbucks. You can earn money on the platform beyond taking surveys via gigs such as testing various apps and products.
If you’re savvy, you might even try doing survey gigs and the like to fund your other online businesses, like a blog. Making $5 per month from something like Swagbucks is actually pretty realistic.
Start an E-Commerce Store
For the second last strategy on this list, starting an e-commerce store can be a great way to make money. A word of caution, however, this business model is the most cost-intensive. You can easily lose thousands of dollars like I have if you’re not careful.
So make sure you remember your rules and hold yourself accountable to them.
But if you want to give e-commerce a go, websites like Etsy allow kids to set up shop and sell handmade items. From jewelry to artwork to homemade candles, you can turn your hobbies into a small business.
If you’re not particularly good with creating homemade products or don’t have the resources, the good news is that a business model called print on demand exists. This is a model that will allow you to upload designs to products like clothes, mugs, canvases, etc., sell them, and directly ship items to your customers without doing the printing and shipping yourself via companies such as Printify.
Don’t forget to consult your parents or guardians when managing your online store and handling transactions, as online safety is paramount.
Learn to Invest
Ultimately, you can choose any strategy in this list or even discover different ones to make money online as a kid. But one thing all kids should learn about money is investing.
Learning about investing from a young age is a very valuable life skill. All my classmates who were taught about investing before becoming an adult were much better off financially than those who didn’t. You have to let money work for money instead of always working for money yourself.
While you can’t open investment accounts until the age of 18 in most places, you can have your parents open one that you operate. Platforms like Robinhood and Coinbase offer user-friendly interfaces that are suitable for beginners.
Understand that investing carries risks, so it’s essential to do your research and make informed decisions. I highly recommend reading books from successful investors like Peter Lynch and Warren Buffett before buying any stock. One Up On Wall Street and The Intelligent Investor are my favorite books on investing.
How to Make Money Online as a Kid Conclusion
To end this article, I want you to remember that making money online as a kid is not just a way to earn some extra cash; it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. With the right mindset, creativity, and dedication, you can turn your hobbies and skills into a lucrative endeavor.
Remember to seek guidance from your parents, set clear goals, and enjoy the process. As you embark on your online money-making adventure, you’re not just earning money – you’re gaining valuable skills and experiences that will serve you well in the future.
Hopefully, this article gave you some good ideas on how to make money online as a kid. But as someone who has gone through the process, I know how daunting it can be to get started. That’s why I highly recommend you check out Wealthy Affiliate.
This platform will give you everything you need to get started and guide you through the process of building a profitable online business. The best part? You can try it for free. No credit card details are required.
