While making money used to be mainly done offline via brick and mortar businesses and labour, the shift towards making money online is crucial. The average unemployment rate in the MENA regions stands at 9.1% as of 2023, with countries like the UAE reaching peak unemployment rates during COVID. With the uncertainties ahead, more people are seeking out alternative income sources, and ways to make money online.
In this article, we will explore a series of beginner-friendly ideas to help you get started with making money online in the Middle East.
How to make money online in the Middle East?
Selling products online has become a highly popular and profitable way to earn money, whether you're building a business or seeking extra income. This comprehensive guide covers 32 different ways to sell products online, offering a range of opportunities for everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Here’s a list of the best sources for passive income to earn extra cash remotely:
1. Find freelance work
Freelancing is a great way to start earning money online. Many companies are looking for freelancers to handle various tasks such as writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, and more. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients worldwide.
As you gain experience and build a portfolio, you can increase your rates and attract long-term clients. Freelancing offers flexibility, allowing you to work from home or anywhere, but success requires dedication to marketing your skills and delivering quality results consistently.
2. Start a YouTube channel
Are you passionate about something and feel like you have a talent to create content? If that describes you, you should consider creating a YouTube channel.
For those who love content creation, this is a fun side hustle. You need a secure internet connection and can start doing this on a part time basis, tending to in your spare time. Be consistent about working on it, and you can potentially grow this side gig into a small business until a point where it becomes your full time job.
You can create any type of content that subscribers may want to watch. The possibilities are literally endless.
This could be online tutoring on specific subjects, or teaching English, or perhaps some entertainment content. We all know of YouTubers who started small and now have millions of subscribers.
Your income from YouTube is not restricted to payment from YouTube, which is based on the number of views your channel and videos receive. If you have a substantial subscriber count, you can consider having a paid subscription, where your subscribers pay you a monthly subscription fee for members' exclusive content and perks.
On top of that, you can also have sponsorship deals with brands and businesses where you promote their products or services and get paid for it. They can either pay you a set fee or a commission on their sales based on your referral code. If you're keen to explore that, read the next point!
3. Start affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn a commission by promoting products from other companies.
Imagine yourself as a content creator or reviewer. You share or write about someone else’s product or service and if a reader clicks on the link and purchases it, you make a percentage of the sale. In a way, you're now a reseller, where you receive a unique referral link. When someone makes a purchase using that link, you earn a percentage of the sale.
Affiliate marketing can be done on various platforms such as blogs, YouTube, Instagram, or through email marketing. You can join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction to find products to promote. Success in affiliate marketing depends on selecting the right products for your audience, creating valuable content, and driving traffic to your affiliate links. If you are in the Middle East, check out this link to learn some of the top affiliate programs that you can join.
As a beginner, you can join popular affiliate programs and can start affiliate marketing from your blog. By writing content about a specific brand/product, you can direct your interested readers to a sales landing page of the product you're promoting.
However, it is important to note that you should write honest reviews and create high quality content to build trust with your audience in the long run. Also, you need to plan ahead and learn how to write affiliate posts that lead to clicks and sales.
Earn cash from sales when you promote GoDaddy on your site.
4. Create and start a blog
Blogging remains one of the most popular ways to make money online. By creating a blog on a niche topic, you can monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling your own products. Blogging requires time and effort to build an audience, but once established, it can generate a passive income stream.
Platforms like WordPress, Blogger, and Medium make it easy to set up a blog. Consistently creating valuable content and optimizing for SEO will help you grow your traffic and attract monetization opportunities.
To get started, you can create a blog and plan unique content that you would like to post. To stand out from the crowd, choose a niche which you have a strong expertise in to create the content on your blog.
It is important to update consistently and ensure that you offer niche content to attract the right audiences. On top of that, you should look into SEO. Optimizing the content in your blog can help your blog site to rank higher in search engine result pages (SERP). Once you have garnered traffic, you can then start to include ads and affliate links, or work with brands on sponsored content.
You have different topics and subjects to write about in your blog. Try to choose a subject you master to stand out from the competition.
Blogging offers numerous advantages, making it an appealing choice for many. One of the main benefits is flexibility, allowing bloggers to write whenever and wherever they want, providing freedom and control over their schedules. It can also be a significant source of revenue, as high-quality content has the potential to generate substantial income. For avid learners, blogging fosters continuous learning, exposing writers to new topics and areas of interest. It also helps build connections with a diverse audience from around the world.
However, blogging has its challenges. The lack of social interactions can sometimes feel isolating, as bloggers typically work independently. Consistency is crucial yet difficult, requiring at least one well-researched article per week to maintain relevance.
The workload can be demanding, involving research, competitor analysis, and SEO optimization to craft effective content. All of this adds up to a significant time investment, making blogging more time-consuming than it may initially appear.
Despite these challenges, the rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor for many.
5. Build your Dropshipping business
Have you heard about dropshipping before? It is a very popular way to make extra money now.
Dropshipping is a business model in which you sell a product to a customer, where the supplier stores, packages, and ships the product to the customers on your behalf as a third party.
If you are keen to get started on dropshipping you can create your own website using the GoDaddy Website Builder, connect it to your social media account, and focus on the marketing and customer service side of the business.
Use the GoDaddy online store to sell everywhere and manage anywhere.
If you are just starting our your dropshipping business, here are some tips to help you find success in dropshipping:
- Besides your website, look to publish your products other platforms such as Facebook marketplace, Amazon, ebay, Etsy etc.
- Offer Gift cards when needed.
- Allow your customers a variety of payment options, such as credit cards, PayPal, and other local payment providers.
6. Invest in domain names
Domain investing is buying domain names, and eventually selling them later at a higher price. This can be another small startup idea to build a small business around.
Learning the value of a domain name is easy with the GoDaddy Domain Valuation tool. All you have to do is write look up the domain name and the valuation tool will show you the price and why.
If you are lucky, you can potentially stumble on a highly valued and expensive domain names before others, and sell it for a high price later on.
7. Write and publish an E-book
If you have expertise in a specific area or a passion for storytelling, writing and publishing an ebook is a great way to earn money online. The key is to write a compelling book that fills a niche, solves problems, or entertains readers.
Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow you to self-publish and distribute ebooks worldwide. You can write nonfiction, fiction, or guides that provide value to readers. Once your ebook is published, you can promote it on social media, your blog, or through email marketing. As a self-published author you can make up to a 70% royalty on your books.
As a self-published author on Amazon KDP, you have control over your publishing schedule, and the process is easy. On top of that, if you have managed to build a name around your writing and your works are in demand, this can generate consistent passive income for you.
8. Develop an App
Creating an app can be a lucrative way to make money online, especially if you have coding skills or can partner with a developer. Apps can be monetized through ads, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or a one-time purchase fee. Popular app categories include entertainment, education, health, and productivity. You can distribute your app on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Success in app development requires identifying a need in the market and providing a solution that is both user-friendly and valuable.
9. Become a virtual tutor
The demand for online education has skyrocketed, and becoming a virtual tutor allows you to leverage your knowledge in a specific field. Whether you teach math, science, languages, or specialized skills like coding, you can find students through platforms like VIPKid, Tutor.com, and iTalki. Virtual tutoring allows you to work from anywhere and set your own hours, making it a flexible way to earn money. To succeed, you’ll need to build a reputation and receive positive reviews from students.
10. Become an influencer
If you have a significant following on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, you can earn money as an influencer. Brands pay influencers to promote their products or services in a way that resonates with their audience.
As your audience grows, you can negotiate higher rates for sponsored posts and collaborate with multiple brands. Influencers can also earn money through affiliate marketing, selling their own products, and using platforms like Patreon for additional income from their followers.
For instance, GoDaddy has previously partnered with influencers in the region to help them set up Arabic websites for their small businesses.
11. Build websites
If you have web design or development skills, building websites for businesses and individuals can be a profitable online business. You can offer services ranging from simple landing pages to fully-fledged e-commerce sites.
Platforms like WordPress make it easier to create websites, but having technical skills like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript gives you an edge. Building a portfolio and leveraging platforms like Upwork and Freelancer can help you secure clients and grow your business.
GoDaddy's Website Builder is super-convenient for somebody who has an idea of what they're trying to create, but might not have any technical skills.
12. Start investing in stocks
Investing in stocks is a long-term strategy where you buy shares in companies with the expectation that their value will grow over time, providing you with returns. This is different from trading, which involves buying stocks at a low price and selling them quickly when the price rises to make a profit. While investing in the stock market can be highly rewarding, it also carries risks.
A notable example is the GameStop stock surge, where the price skyrocketed 600% in just a few days, allowing many traders to make significant gains. However, this kind of short-term trading is highly speculative and can result in heavy losses, as the stock price eventually returns to normal. For long-term investors, it’s crucial to know when to buy and when to sell, ensuring a careful and calculated approach to growing your portfolio.
It is important to note that stock investment is only suitable for people who are able to spare some cash as a starting capital. If you want to get started on stock investment, do read more and pick up the knowledge and know-how before making your first stock purchases. This is to ensure you minimize the risks and have a clear understanding of what you are buying into.
13. Sell your art and photography
If you're an artist or photographer, you can sell your work online on platforms like Etsy, Shutterstock, Redbubble, or Saatchi Art. Whether it's original artwork, prints, or digital designs, there’s a market for all types of art and photography. You can also license your photos to websites that sell stock images or offer custom commissions. Building an online presence through social media can help you reach a larger audience and attract potential buyers.
14. Become an online translator or interpreter
Fluent in more than one language? Fluency in multiple languages opens up opportunities to offer translation or interpretation services online. If you're based in the Middle East and are fluent in both English and a widely used language such as Arabic, you can consider taking up translation and interpretation jobs online.
Websites like ProZ, TranslatorsCafe, and Gengo connect freelancers with clients in need of language services. This can include translating documents, websites, or providing real-time interpretation for meetings and calls. As the global economy continues to expand, the demand for language services remains high.
15. Sell your old clothes
Selling gently used clothes is a great way to declutter your wardrobe while making money. Platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp, and Depop make it easy to sell items such as clothing, shoes, and accessories. You can also sell vintage or designer pieces for higher prices. Consistently adding new items and using high-quality photos will help you attract more buyers.
16. Create a Podcast
In the fast-paced and technological world we live in, we all care about our time. And if there’s a way to save some, we’ll do it. Podcasts can be consumed while doing laundry, going to the gym, washing the dishes or just relaxing. This makes them a perfect – and fast – way to learn something new, catch up on news, or simply to entertain.
17. Become an online coach or consultant
If you have specialized knowledge or expertise, offering online coaching or consulting services can be highly profitable. You can coach individuals or businesses on topics like career development, fitness, life coaching, or business strategy. Platforms like Clarity.fm, Coach.me, and LinkedIn can help you connect with clients. Success depends on marketing your services, establishing your authority in your field, and delivering tangible results.
18. Sell digital products
Selling digital products such as printables, templates, ebooks, and software can generate passive income. Once created, digital products can be sold repeatedly without the need for inventory or shipping. Platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify allow you to set up an online store and sell your digital products. The key to success is creating products that address specific needs or problems for your target audience.
19. Become a remote customer service representative
Many companies hire remote customer service representatives to assist customers via phone, email, or chat. You can find customer service jobs on platforms like Indeed, Remote.co, or FlexJobs. This job typically requires good communication skills and the ability to handle customer inquiries efficiently. Customer service jobs offer steady pay, and some positions may even provide benefits.
20. Offer transcription services
Transcription services involve converting audio or video recordings into written text. If you have excellent typing skills and attention to detail, transcription work is a great way to make money online. Websites like Rev, TranscribeMe, and Freelancer offer opportunities for transcriptionists to find clients. Accuracy and speed are important factors to succeed in this field.
21. Sell Print-on-Demand products
Here’s another side gig business idea. The premise is simple - customers submit what they you want to be printed on the products you offer. You then print it and ship it to them.
Print on Demand (POD) is a simple and flexible business model with minimal setup required. It’s entirely online, so you can manage it from home. All you need is a sales platform, a supplier to help you print the products. This makes it a relatively easy business to set up. You only produce items when ordered, reducing inventory costs and allowing you to focus on marketing.
You could sell t-shirts, mugs, bags, hoodies, phone cases, and anything that you can print on. While it is best to build your own website to sell these online, Amazon lets you do it for a share of your profit. To ensure that you can expand your customer base, it will be good to keep a collection of ready-made designs, as not everyone might want to customize their orders.
However, challenges include lower profit margins due to competition, reliance on printing partners, and limited data unless you use your own website. Some graphic design knowledge is also helpful but can be learned through courses. Despite these drawbacks, POD is a convenient way to start an online business.
22. Offer virtual assistant services
If you are excellent at organizing and love planning, becoming a virtual assistant is another idea that you can explore to make good money.
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs, handling tasks like email management, scheduling, data entry, and social media management.
If you enjoy planning and organization, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is a great online business idea with earning potential. As a VA, your tasks can include bookkeeping, managing emails, scheduling meetings, social media posting, or data entry. You can advertise your skills on platforms like Craigslist, Upwork, or Fiverr to connect with clients.
Many entrepreneurs are turning to VAs to help in handling tasks, which means there is a consistent demand for VAs. Based on your skill sets and interests, you can also pick the types of service you can provide as a VA. As a VA, you can also enjoy work flexibility if you are able to manage your time and client expectations.
On the flip side, given the relatively lower barriers to entry, VA services are competitive. Clients are also likely to be paying for you to assist them with repetitive and routine tasks. Therefore, your ability to stay motivated and consistently search for clients will be crucial for your success.
23. Sell stock photos and videos
Photographers and videographers can sell stock photos and videos to websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. These platforms allow you to upload your content and earn royalties whenever someone purchases it. Stock photography is a great passive income stream, but to succeed, you need to create high-quality, in-demand content.
24. Provide drop servicing
Drop servicing is a business model where you sell services (like web design, copywriting, or video editing) without doing the actual work. Instead, you hire freelancers to fulfill the tasks. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great for sourcing talent. The key to success in drop servicing is finding clients, managing projects, and ensuring that the freelancers you hire deliver high-quality work.
25. Sell online courses
If you have expertise in a subject, creating and selling online courses can be a profitable business. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow you to create and sell courses on topics ranging from cooking to programming. The key to success is creating comprehensive, valuable courses that cater to a specific audience.
26. Participate in online market research
Companies pay individuals to participate in online market research, such as surveys, focus groups, and product testing. Websites like Pinecone Research, Swagbucks, and Toluna offer paid opportunities for market research. Although this method won’t make you a fortune, it’s an easy way to earn extra cash.
27. Test websites and apps
Websites and apps need user feedback to improve their user experience. By testing websites and apps, you can get paid for providing valuable insights. Platforms like UserTesting and WhatUsersDo pay testers to evaluate websites and apps. You’ll need to complete tasks and provide feedback on usability, design, and functionality.
28. Learn to use AI tools
AI tools are becoming essential in many online businesses. Learning how to use AI tools for tasks like content generation, social media management, and marketing automation can give you an edge. Platforms like Jasper, Copy.ai, and Grammarly are just a few examples of AI tools that can streamline your business processes.
29. Sell your wares on Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items. If you create jewelry, clothing, or other artisanal products, Etsy is a great platform to sell your creations. Success on Etsy depends on having great products, high-quality photos, and a strong marketing strategy.
30. Become a Social Media Manager
Businesses often hire social media managers to create and manage content for their social media platforms. Social media management involves tasks like creating posts, engaging with followers, and running ad campaigns. You can find social media management jobs on platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and Indeed. The key to success is staying up-to-date with trends and algorithms to drive engagement and growth.
31. Direct publishing on Amazon Kindle
If you’ve been dreaming about making a living as an author, this reality may be closer than you think. As a self-published author you can make up to a 70% royalty on your books.
Publishing directly on Amazon is a straightforward way to share your work and earn income. It offers ease of publication, allowing you to become your own boss and release content whenever you’re ready. If you create high-quality, in-demand writing and build a strong reputation, it can provide a reliable stream of passive income, letting you work comfortably from home.
However, the low entry barriers lead to intense competition, making it challenging to stand out. Additionally, producing high-quality work can be difficult for those without professional writing experience. You might need to invest in coaching or writing courses to improve your skills, as expertise in a field doesn’t automatically translate to strong writing ability.
The prevalence of self-publishing has brought down the walls between you and your career as an author.
32. Take online surveys
Many companies pay for your opinions through online surveys, making it an easy way to make money in your spare time. Websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie allow you to take surveys, watch videos, or perform simple tasks in exchange for points or cash. Although this method doesn't generate a large income, it’s a good way to make some extra money while you’re online. The key to maximizing earnings is to join multiple survey platforms and stay consistent in completing tasks.
Can you earn money online quickly?
Making money online takes effort and time, and it’s crucial to steer clear of get-rich-quick schemes that often lead to disappointment or scams. Some individuals or platforms may promote opportunities claiming you can earn substantial amounts overnight, but these promises are typically misleading and aimed at exploiting people.
There are plenty of legitimate ways to earn money online, but success requires patience, consistency, and a focus on building your skills and credibility. Whether it's freelancing, starting a blog, selling digital products, or providing a service, each method demands time and effort to yield results.
Tips to choose the best way to make money online
Choosing the best way to make money online can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you select the right path for you:
1. Assess Your Skills and Interests
- Strengths: Consider what you are good at and enjoy doing. If you love writing, blogging or freelance writing might be ideal. If you’re a creative person, graphic design or selling handmade items online could be great.
- Passion: Doing something you are passionate about will keep you motivated, making it easier to stay consistent and engaged.
2. Consider Your Available Time
- Full-time or Part-time: Determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to earning money online. Some opportunities, like freelancing or dropshipping, can be done part-time, while others like blogging or creating online courses may require more time to see results.
- Long-Term Commitment: Certain methods (like blogging or app development) take time to build but offer passive income in the long run. If you need quick income, consider options like freelancing or selling digital products.
3. Evaluate Your Resources
- Initial Investment: Some online money-making methods may require an initial investment (like building a website, buying inventory for dropshipping, or setting up a blog). Make sure you can afford the startup costs.
- Tools and Equipment: Some jobs, like video editing or graphic design, require specific tools or software. Ensure you have access to the necessary resources to succeed in your chosen field.
4. Understand Your Risk Tolerance
- Risk Level: Certain methods, like investing in stocks or trading, carry higher risks. If you’re risk-averse, safer options like freelance writing or selling digital products might be a better fit.
- Stable vs. Variable Income: Some online income sources (like affiliate marketing or freelancing) can be more variable and uncertain. Others, like selling digital courses or dropshipping, can provide more consistent earnings once established.
5. Consider the Market Demand
- Niche Potential: Research the demand for your chosen method. For example, eCommerce or creating online courses may require identifying a profitable niche that is not oversaturated.
- Trends: Stay informed about current trends in online money-making. New opportunities emerge frequently (e.g., TikTok influencer marketing, podcasting), so you can tap into emerging industries.
6. Choose Based on Learning Curve
- Skills Required: Some online money-making methods require specialized knowledge or skills, such as app development, graphic design, or digital marketing. If you’re just starting out, choose a path that aligns with your current skill set or one that you’re willing to learn.
- Time to Master: If you're new to a particular field, consider how much time it will take to gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to succeed.
7. Research and Test Before Committing
- Do Your Research: Read blogs, watch tutorials, and join online communities to learn about the pros and cons of different ways to make money online. Research platforms and tools that may be beneficial for your chosen method.
- Test and Pivot: Don’t be afraid to try multiple methods to see what works for you. Start small with low investment and pivot as needed based on the results.
8. Look for Scalability
- Growth Potential: Think about whether the method you choose can scale over time. For example, affiliate marketing can be scaled by promoting more products, while eCommerce can be scaled by adding more products to your store.
- Automation: Some online businesses can be automated with tools and systems, allowing you to earn money passively once they’re set up. This is especially important if you want to focus on multiple income streams.
9. Consider the Level of Competition
- Saturation: Some online money-making methods (like freelance writing or blogging) are highly competitive. Finding a niche within these areas can help you stand out, but it’s important to assess if the competition will affect your ability to succeed.
- Differentiation: Choose a method where you can offer something unique, whether it's your personal expertise, style, or a niche product.
By following these tips, you can narrow down the best online income opportunities suited to your skills, interests, and resources, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Here are some of the most common and frequently asked questions around making money online in the Middle East.
1. How can I make $100 today online?
To make $100 quickly online, you can explore options such as:
- Survey Sites: Platforms like Swagbucks or InboxDollars pay you for taking surveys. While it’s unlikely to make $100 in a day, if you participate in several surveys, it can add up.
- Freelancing: Platforms like Fiverr, TaskRabbit, or Upwork allow you to offer services and earn money based on the tasks you complete.
- Selling Products: If you have items to sell, consider using marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to sell quickly.
2. Which website is the best to earn money?
The best website to earn money online depends on what you're interested in:
- Amazon: Ideal for authors looking to publish and sell books through Kindle Direct Publishing.
- Fiverr/Upwork: These are perfect for freelancers offering various services like graphic design, writing, and programming.
- TaskRabbit: If you're willing to offer physical services, such as running errands or assembling furniture, Taskrabbit can be a great choice.
3. How can I earn money from Google?
The best way to earn money from Google is through Google AdSense. By displaying ads on your blog or website, you can earn money when visitors click on them. To maximize earnings, ensure your content is high-quality, relevant, and generates substantial traffic.
4. How can I earn money online easily?
While no method is entirely "easy," some ways to earn money online with less effort include:
- Taking Surveys: Websites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars pay for your opinion.
- Selling Products: Platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace allow you to sell items you no longer need.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral links.
5. How can I make money fast at home?
To make money quickly from home:
- Freelancing: Offer services such as writing, design, or virtual assistance on Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer.
- Selling Unused Items: Use eBay or Craigslist to sell your old electronics, furniture, or clothes.
- Online Tutoring: Websites like VIPKid allow you to teach English or other subjects to students worldwide.
6. How can I make money right now?
If you need to make money quickly, consider:
- Freelance Gigs: Websites like Fiverr and TaskRabbit offer quick, one-time tasks that you can do for fast payments.
- Sell Products: If you have items to sell, you can quickly post them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to earn money.
- Offer Local Services: If you're able to, offer services like dog walking, cleaning, or errand running to neighbors.
Editor's Note: This article was first published on November 14, 2022 and updated on January 15, 2025.
