10 Best Ways to Make Money Online

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The internet has opened up countless opportunities to earn an income without needing to leave your home—and South Africans are increasingly taking advantage of this digital shift. Whether you want to supplement your current earnings, work remotely, or start a full-fledged online business, there are legitimate and flexible ways to make money online. Here are 10 of the best methods you can explore in South Africa.

Freelance writing in South Africa

1. Freelancing on Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr

Freelancing allows you to sell your skills to a global market. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, virtual assistant, web developer, or translator, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com connect you with paying clients. You set your rates and choose projects that suit your expertise.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Identify your skills – Writing, graphic design, video editing, virtual assistance, programming, etc.
  2. Choose a platform – Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, or a combination.
  3. Create a strong profile – Use a professional profile picture, list your skills clearly, and add portfolio samples (even if you make them yourself as examples).
  4. Set realistic rates – Start lower to build a client base, then raise rates as you get reviews.
  5. Bid on jobs or create service listings – On Upwork, apply to projects; on Fiverr, create “gigs” describing your service.
  6. Deliver on time – Always meet deadlines to maintain a high rating.
  7. Request reviews – Positive reviews increase your chances of getting more work.

Pro tip: Avoid bidding on every job—focus on roles where you’re confident you can excel.

2. Selling Products on E-commerce Platforms

E-commerce is booming in South Africa. You can sell physical products through Takealot, Bidorbuy, or your own Shopify or WooCommerce store. Dropshipping is another option, where you sell products without holding stock—suppliers handle shipping directly to customers.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a product niche – Electronics, beauty products, fashion, handmade goods, etc.
  2. Research the market – Use Takealot or Bidorbuy to see demand and pricing.
  3. Choose your selling method –
    • Own stock (buy and store items).
    • Dropshipping (no stock; supplier ships directly).
  4. Set up your store – Use Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress), or list on Takealot/Bidorbuy.
  5. Take high-quality product photos – Good visuals increase sales.
  6. Write clear descriptions – Highlight features, benefits, and delivery info.
  7. Promote – Use Facebook Ads, Instagram, TikTok, and Google Ads.
  8. Fulfill orders quickly – Fast shipping = happy customers.

Pro tip: Start small with 5–10 products, then expand once you know what sells.

Online Tutoring in South Africa

3. Online Tutoring and Teaching

If you excel in a particular subject or speak fluent English, online teaching can be lucrative. Platforms like Preply, Cambly, and Italki allow you to teach students from around the world. You can also tutor South African learners via local platforms such as Teach Me 2.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Pick your subject – Academic subjects, English language, music, coding, etc.
  2. Get basic requirements – Most platforms require a webcam, headset, and stable internet.
  3. Sign up with tutoring platforms – Cambly (no degree required), Preply, Teach Me 2 (local), or Italki.
  4. Create your tutor profile – Add a short intro video and list your expertise.
  5. Set your rates – Start lower to attract students, then increase as you gain experience.
  6. Plan lessons – Use PowerPoint, Google Docs, or interactive tools like Jamboard.
  7. Maintain good communication – Reply promptly to messages and be punctual for sessions.

Pro tip: Specialise in exam prep or conversational practice to stand out.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link. In South Africa, you can join affiliate programs from Loot, Takealot, or global networks like Amazon Associates and ClickBank.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Pick a niche – e.g., tech, beauty, fitness, travel.
  2. Join affiliate programs – Takealot Affiliates, Loot, Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or CJ Affiliate.
  3. Create a platform – Blog, YouTube channel, TikTok, or Instagram account.
  4. Promote products using your affiliate link – Reviews, tutorials, listicles.
  5. Drive traffic – Post regularly, run ads, or use SEO for blogs.
  6. Track your results – Use Google Analytics or your affiliate dashboard.

Pro tip: Be transparent—always disclose that you earn a commission to build trust.

5. Content Creation on YouTube or TikTok

If you enjoy creating videos, starting a YouTube channel or TikTok profile can generate income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. You’ll need to build an engaged audience, but consistent, high-quality content can lead to significant earnings.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose your niche – Cooking, travel, personal finance, tech reviews, etc.
  2. Plan your content – Make a list of 20–30 video ideas before starting.
  3. Get basic gear – Smartphone with good camera, tripod, ring light, and editing software (CapCut, Canva, DaVinci Resolve).
  4. Create and post consistently – At least 2–3 times a week.
  5. Optimise for SEO – Use keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags.
  6. Engage with your audience – Reply to comments, ask for feedback.
  7. Monetise – Once you meet platform requirements (e.g., YouTube Partner Program), earn from ads, sponsorships, and merch.

Pro tip: Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds to keep them watching.

6. Remote Work for International Companies

Many global companies hire remote workers from South Africa for customer service, marketing, IT, and administrative roles. Websites like We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, and Remote.co list jobs that pay in US dollars or euros—potentially boosting your income due to currency exchange rates.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Decide your skill area – Customer service, data entry, software development, marketing, etc.
  2. Search on remote job boards – We Work Remotely, Remote.co, FlexJobs, Working Nomads.
  3. Create an international-standard CV – Focus on achievements, not just duties.
  4. Apply to multiple companies – Don’t wait for one offer.
  5. Prepare for time zone differences – Use tools like World Time Buddy to schedule meetings.
  6. Have a reliable workspace – Quiet, well-lit, with stable internet.

Pro tip: Many global employers prefer payment via Payoneer or Wise—set these up early.

Stock Photography in South Africa

7. Stock Photography and Videography

If you’re skilled with a camera, you can sell your photos and videos to stock libraries like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock. Each time someone downloads your work, you earn a royalty fee.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose your focus – Nature, lifestyle, business, or travel images.
  2. Get equipment – DSLR/mirrorless camera or a high-quality smartphone.
  3. Take high-resolution, well-lit photos/videos.
  4. Edit professionally – Use Lightroom, Photoshop, or Premiere Pro.
  5. Sign up for stock sites – Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock.
  6. Upload with strong titles and keywords – This improves discoverability.
  7. Upload regularly – Consistency increases your sales potential.

Pro tip: Research trending themes on stock sites to shoot what’s in demand.

8. Print-on-Demand Products

With print-on-demand, you design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags, and a printing company produces and ships them only when orders are placed. Platforms like Printful and Redbubble make it easy to sell globally without handling inventory.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a product type – T-shirts, mugs, hoodies, tote bags.
  2. Design your graphics – Use Canva or Photoshop.
  3. Pick a POD platform – Printful, Redbubble, TeeSpring.
  4. Connect to your online store – Shopify, Etsy, or even a free platform like Gumroad.
  5. Upload designs and set prices.
  6. Promote on social media – Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok.

Pro tip: Niche designs (e.g., South African slang T-shirts) sell better than generic ones.

9. Online Surveys and Market Research

While not a primary income source, completing online surveys can earn you extra cash or vouchers. Sites like Toluna, ySense, and SurveySavvy pay South Africans for sharing their opinions. Some also offer rewards for testing new products.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Sign up with reputable survey sites – Toluna, ySense, SurveySavvy, InboxDollars.
  2. Complete your profile – The more accurate, the more surveys you’ll get.
  3. Check daily – Surveys fill up quickly.
  4. Cash out earnings – Usually via PayPal or gift cards.
  5. Be consistent – Small amounts add up over time.

Pro tip: Use multiple survey sites to increase your earning potential.

10. Blogging and Website Monetisation

If you’re passionate about a topic—whether it’s travel, cooking, or finance—you can start a blog and earn through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate links. While building traffic takes time, blogging can become a long-term passive income source.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a niche – Something you’re passionate about and that people search for.
  2. Set up your blog – Use WordPress.org with hosting from SiteGround or HostAfrica.
  3. Create quality, SEO-optimised articles.
  4. Promote your blog – Share on social media, Pinterest, and via email lists.
  5. Monetise – Use Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
  6. Post consistently – At least 2–4 articles a month.

Pro tip: Long-form, helpful articles rank better on Google than short, generic ones.

Final Thoughts

Earning money online in South Africa is more accessible than ever, but success requires time, consistency, and skill-building. It’s important to research each method, avoid scams, and choose opportunities that align with your strengths and interests.

Tip: For the best results, start with one method, master it, and then diversify your income streams over time.

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