Like many people, I was drawn to the idea of making money online for the freedom it offers. The ability to work from anywhere, set my schedule, and create multiple income streams sounded too good to pass up. But when I started, I felt overwhelmed. There were so many paths to take—freelancing, blogging, e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and more. I realized I needed guidance, so I turned to online courses to help me learn the ropes.
Investing in online courses turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. These courses not only taught me practical skills but also gave me the confidence to launch my ventures. Today, I want to share my journey and review some of the best online courses for making money online, all of which you can find on Amazon or other accessible platforms.
Why Online Courses Are Worth It
Before diving into my recommendations, let me explain why online courses are such a great investment. When I first started exploring ways to make money online, I wasted a lot of time sifting through free content that was often incomplete or outdated. Paid courses, on the other hand, offered structured, high-quality content designed by experts.
Here’s why I believe in online courses:
- Time-Saving: Courses condense years of experience into digestible modules, saving you from trial-and-error learning.
- Up-to-Date Content: Many courses are regularly updated to reflect industry trends.
- Community Support: Many courses include access to online communities where you can network and get feedback.
My Top Picks for Online Courses
Here are the courses that helped me—and can help you—start making money online.
1. “The Freelance Manifesto” by Joey Korenman
When I decided to try freelancing, I knew I needed guidance on how to find clients and price my services. This course/book hybrid focuses on building a sustainable freelance career.
- Why It’s Great:
- Covers how to find high-paying clients.
- Teaches how to structure contracts and manage projects.
- Available on Amazon: You can grab the companion book, “The Freelance Manifesto”, to deepen your understanding.
- My Results:
- After completing the course, I landed three clients in two months, earning $1,500 part-time.
2. “Affiliate Marketing Secrets 2.0” by Victor M. Price
Affiliate marketing intrigued me because it offered a way to earn passive income. This course taught me everything I needed to know about promoting products online.
- Why It’s Great:
- Comprehensive lessons on selecting profitable niches.
- Step-by-step guidance for building a website and driving traffic.
- Resources I Used:
- Tools like “The Affiliate Marketing Playbook” (available on Amazon) complemented the course material.
- My Results:
- Within three months, I started earning $500/month in affiliate commissions by promoting products I loved, like the Instant Pot on Amazon.
3. “The Complete Digital Marketing Course” by Rob Percival
Digital marketing skills are essential for anyone looking to make money online. This course covers SEO, social media marketing, email campaigns, and more.
- Why It’s Great:
- Beginner-friendly with no prior experience required.
- Includes actionable strategies for promoting your business.
- Tools I Used:
- The course recommended software like SEMRush and Canva Pro for creating and analyzing content.
- My Results:
- After implementing what I learned, I boosted my blog traffic by 200% in six months, which directly increased my affiliate income.
4. “Shopify Dropshipping Masterclass” by Gabriel St-Germain
When I ventured into e-commerce, dropshipping seemed like an accessible way to start without holding inventory. This course helped me navigate the complexities of setting up an online store.
- Why It’s Great:
- Focuses on product research and scaling your store.
- Includes lessons on Facebook Ads and influencer marketing.
- Tools I Used:
- I purchased the Shopify Starter Plan and Oberlo Dropshipping Tool based on the course recommendations.
- My Results:
- My store made $2,000 in profit during the holiday season by selling trending products.
5. “CreativeLive: Make Money with Your Photography” by Nigel Barker
If you’re a photographer or love taking pictures, this course is a goldmine. I took it to learn how to monetize my photography skills.
- Why It’s Great:
- Covers licensing photos, selling prints, and working with clients.
- Includes tips for building a strong online portfolio.
- Gear I Used:
- I invested in the Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera (available on Amazon) to produce high-quality photos.
- My Results:
- I made $800 in my first month selling stock photos on platforms like Shutterstock.
6. “YouTube Masterclass” by Matt Par
Starting a YouTube channel was intimidating, but this course broke everything down into manageable steps. It’s perfect for anyone interested in creating video content.
- Why It’s Great:
- Explains how to optimize your videos for search.
- Includes strategies for monetizing your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Tools I Used:
- The course recommended the Blue Yeti Microphone and Neewer Ring Light Kit, both of which I bought on Amazon.
- My Results:
- Within six months, my channel started earning $1,000/month in ad revenue.
7. “The Ultimate Blogging Bootcamp” by Create and Go
Blogging was one of the first ways I made money online. This course teaches you how to build a blog from scratch, monetize it, and grow your audience.
- Why It’s Great:
- Comprehensive guidance on content creation, SEO, and affiliate marketing.
- Easy-to-follow lessons for beginners.
- Books I Read:
- I paired this course with “ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income” from Amazon.
- My Results:
- After six months, my blog earned $700/month from ads and affiliate sales.
8. “The Virtual Assistant Blueprint” by Abbey Ashley
Virtual assistance is a flexible way to earn money online, and this course taught me how to get started quickly.
- Why It’s Great:
- Provides templates for client contracts and pricing.
- Offers tips on finding clients through social media.
- Tools I Used:
- The course recommended productivity tools like Trello and Slack.
- My Results:
- I secured two long-term clients, earning $1,000/month part-time.
9. “Udemy: Cryptocurrency Investment Course” by Suppoman
Cryptocurrency investing can be daunting, but this course made it approachable. It’s a great option if you’re interested in making money through crypto.
- Why It’s Great:
- Explains blockchain technology and how to identify promising coins.
- Covers strategies for minimizing risk and maximizing returns.
- Tools I Used:
- I set up accounts with Coinbase and Binance, as recommended in the course.
- My Results:
- With a modest investment, I earned $500 in profits within three months.
10. “Amazon FBA Mastery” by Kevin David
Selling on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a popular way to earn online. This course helped me understand how to find products, list them, and manage my store.
- Why It’s Great:
- Detailed walkthrough of product sourcing and listing optimization.
- Tips for leveraging Amazon’s advertising platform.
- Essential Tools:
- The course recommended tools like Jungle Scout for product research.
- My Results:
- My first product earned $1,200 in profit within two months of launching.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
With so many options, it’s important to choose a course that aligns with your interests and goals. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Define Your Goals: Are you looking for passive income, a full-time gig, or just extra cash?
- Check Reviews: Look for reviews from real students to gauge the course’s quality.
- Consider Your Budget: Many affordable courses on Amazon or platforms like Udemy offer great value.
Tools and Resources That Helped Me Succeed
Throughout my journey, I relied on several tools to enhance my learning and productivity. Here are some of my favorites:
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book helped me develop habits to stay consistent with my online ventures.
- Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook: Great for taking notes during courses and brainstorming ideas.
- Bluehost Web Hosting: Essential for setting up blogs or e-commerce sites.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Future
Online courses were the stepping stones that helped me turn my dreams of making money online into reality. They taught me practical skills, boosted my confidence, and provided a clear roadmap for success. Whether you’re interested in freelancing, blogging, e-commerce, or another avenue, there’s a course out there for you.
The best part? You don’t have to take all these courses at once. Start with one that aligns with your goals, implement what you learn, and build from there. With dedication and the right guidance, you can create a sustainable online
income stream—and perhaps even a full-time career. Here’s to your success!