Are you tired of the false promises and get-rich-quick schemes flooding the internet? Maybe you’ve tried dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or Amazon FBA, only to realize it’s not as easy as the so-called experts make it seem. You’re not alone.
The truth? Most online money-making methods DO work—but they require time, effort, and strategy. The real challenge is finding the right path for YOU—one that balances effort, investment, and realistic returns.
After testing countless methods (and failing at many), I’ve narrowed it down to two proven ways to make money online without the hype. Let’s dive in.
Why Most People Fail at Making Money Online
Before we get to the methods, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why do so many people struggle?
- Unrealistic Expectations – Many believe they’ll earn thousands in weeks. Reality? Most legit businesses take months (or years) to scale.
- Lack of Commitment – They quit before seeing results.
- Information Overload – Too many self-proclaimed experts are selling courses filled with recycled content
- Choosing the Wrong Method – Not every business fits your skills or budget.
The key? Picking a model that aligns with your goals, budget, and willingness to learn.
2 Legit Ways to Make Money Online (Tested & Proven)
1. Kindle Publishing (Amazon KDP)
How It Works:
You self-publish books (ebooks, journals, coloring books) on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform.
Why It’s Great:
Low Startup Cost – You don’t need inventory.
Passive Income Potential – Books keep selling with minimal upkeep.
Free Promotion via TikTok – Many authors go viral by posting short videos about their books.1
Example:
- Price your book at $16.
- If a TikTok video gets 100K views, even 1% of viewers buy, that’s $7,000+ in profit.
Steps to Start:
- Create a KDP account (free).
- Design your book (use Canva or hire a designer).
- Publish on Amazon.
- Promote on TikTok (post 2-3 videos/day).
- Scale by replicating viral content.
Best-Selling Book Types:
- Journals & Planners
- Coloring Books
- Short How-To Guides
- Niche Fiction
2. YouTube (The Long-Term Goldmine)
How It Works:
You create videos, grow an audience, and earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Why It’s Great:
Multiple Income Streams (Ad revenue, merch, memberships).
Scalable – Once a video goes viral, it keeps earning.
Low Startup Cost – Just a phone and free editing software.2
Key Metrics for Success:
- CPM (Cost Per Mille) – What advertisers pay per 1,000 views.
- RPM (Revenue Per Mille) – What YOU earn per 1,000 views.
- CTR (Click-Through Rate) – How many people click on your video?
- Audience Retention – How long viewers watch.
Steps to Start:
- Pick a Profitable Niche (e.g., finance, self-improvement, tech).
- Research Your Audience (What do they want?).
- Script, Film, Edit (Outsource or DIY).
- Optimize Title, Thumbnail, Description.
- Post consistently (1-2 videos/week).
- Analyze & Improve (Check CTR & retention).
Pro Tip: The secret is making videos people click AND watch to the end.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Factor | Kindle Publishing | YouTube |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Cost | Low (0−0−100) | Low (0−0−500) |
| Passive Potential | High (Books sell forever) | High (Videos earn over time) |
| Time to Profit | Weeks to Months | Months to Years |
| Ease of Entry | Easy (No tech skills) | Moderate (Editing helps) |
| Scalability | Medium (Depends on marketing) | High (Massive audience) |
Choose Kindle Publishing if:
- You want quick, scalable income with minimal upfront cost.
- You’re okay with self-promotion (TikTok, Instagram).
Choose YouTube if:
- You’re willing to invest time in building a brand.
- You enjoy creating content and engaging an audience.
The Truth About Online Courses & Scams
Red Flags to Watch For:
- “Guaranteed passive income!”
- “Automated money with no work!”
- “Get rich quick with this secret app!”
Reality:
- Most “secret methods” are freely available on YouTube.
- Courses only help if they provide structure & support.
- No business is truly passive—success requires effort.
Final Advice: How to Succeed Long-Term
- Start Small, Think Big – Don’t quit your job yet. Test first.
- Track Progress – Set monthly income goals.
- Outsource & Scale – Once profitable, delegate tasks.
- Stay Consistent – Most fail because they give up too soon.
Ready to Start?
I’ve created a free guide breaking down the best online businesses (including exact steps). [Download Here].
Which method will YOU try? Comment below!
More articles:
Discovering Unique Finds: A Shopper’s Guide to Etsy