By Moira Jansen
The internet has become a certifiable cash cow. Many people are embracing the internet lifestyle. Basically, they work from the comfort of their home, (or with a satellite internet hookup they can work from anywhere in the world), they put in few hours and they make loads of cash (the beach front view is optional). It's a great way to live for those who want to escape the grind of 9 to 5.
The best part of the (satellite) internet lifestyle is the freedom. Internet entrepreneurs are their own bosses. They make their own hours. They control how their business works. They aren't shilling for anyone else. They don't work for the man. So just how do they do it?
Well, if you've got a high speed internet connection, there are an infinite number of ways to make money.
One of the most popular ways to earn money online is through affiliate marketing. Basically, you allow an advertisement for a product or service to be placed on your site or blog and the cash comes rolling in. Every time a sale is made via a click from your site, you get a percentage of the sale. One of the more popular affiliate services out there today is Clickbank.
A lot of people make some extra cash by selling merchandise online. You can easily auction off your collection of vintage toys or first edition books on eBay and make a killing. If you're the crafty type, you can hawk your wares on Etsy, a site dedicated to handmade artifacts. You can also sell your stuff on Amazon.
Or you can build your own online store. For those who don't have any programming skills, Yahoo! Merchant Solutions is a great way to get started. They provide the infrastructure for handling payments and displaying your products. You just do the selling and watch as the cash rolls in.
Advertising is another way to go and it's basically an effortless stream of revenue. For instance, with Google Adsense, you get contextual ads slapped on your blog or website and each time someone clicks on the ad, you get money. Adbrite is another similar ad network.
If you've got some writing skills you can write articles for PaidContent or DemandStudios. You can also offer your services on freelance job sites like Elance and ClicknWork.
Or start a blog. Come up with excellent posts on a consistent basis, build up a loyal audience, and the traffic, and thus the money will follow. With good ad placement you'll be able to make a fine living.
If you're a graphic designer or filmmaker there are tons of sites out there that offer money for your work. Eefoof, for example, will pay video makers, based on their traffic stats. Cafepress allows designers to submit T-shirt ideas for free. They collect any profits made from shirts sold with their design.
Know someone who'd be perfect for a job? Refer them and collect the rewards. Many job sites pay people for making referrals.
These are just a few ideas for making money on the web. Remember with a high speed satellite internet connection, the possibilities are endless.