How to earn money online as a teenager in India

After 10-12 years, when you look back to your schooling days, one question would definitely pop up in your mind – why did I read such topics that I would never apply in the real world? It is unlikely that you will use trigonometry, algebra, and calculus formulae in your daily life.

In all seriousness, while we talk about how things have changed and we are emerging as a modern society, the area where we are still lacking is the education system. Today, as youngsters, many of them are spending hours learning formulas and mixtures. However, other real-world skills are equally crucial for teenage kids to learn.

Understanding the value of money and financial independence from a young age tops the list to prepare teenagers for a secured future. Perhaps the most suitable way to learn these ideals is by directly introducing them to earning money online.

With the internet dominating the world, tons of virtual opportunities have opened in front of young kids. COVID-19 has introduced work from home setup, and now, apart from adults, it has also presented several ways to teenagers through which they can earn money online.

1. Freelancing

With pandemic, freelancing and home gigs got the much-needed acceleration and turned thousands of people into virtual workers. Freelancing in simpler terms means when an individual works independently rather than being associated with one company.

Freelancing is appreciated for the amount of flexibility and ease it offers to the workers. Teenagers who want to start earning money online can try freelancing. They can freelance in different fields, including content writing, editing, app development, design, and several other departments.

Content writing and designing are two of the most favoured areas in freelance. Content is vital in conveying the importance and need of a product. Companies hire content writers who can share the company’s vision with potential consumers.

If you are among those who know the difference between “affect” and “effect,” you can also try proofreading and content editing. For the unversed, many adults aren’t into grammar and syntax and want someone to check their copies. Since teenagers are in school, they have a stronghold over grammar and thus can qualify for this job.

There are various websites available over the internet that can offer tremendous opportunities to freelance workers. While the competition remains high on Chegg India, Fiverr, Freelancer, Freelance India, and Upwork are also emerging as beneficial platforms.

2. Graphic Designing

The world has moved to a digital platform, and the digital world is incomplete without vibrant graphics. If you have an aesthetic eye and a vision to see everything from an artist’s perspective, graphic designing can be the best option.

Students with a keen interest in sketching and art can upskill their knowledge about digital design software through accessible sources over YouTube or additional classes. Once they learn how to use them, they can convert their handmade drawings into digital art and collaborate and sell them to earn money.

You can also design different merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, pillows, notebooks with your design and sell them.

3. Website Designing

People who are still undermining the importance of having a website to support their business are taking their organization two-step backwards. In this competitive scenario, every company, especially small businesses, are paying more attention to websites.

Students can explore coding and CMS like WordPress and can provide customized websites to companies. There are also different courses available to take and learn about the field without moving out of your house.

4. Influencer

Influencers are basically people who have a large following on social media platforms. Teenagers can showcase their talent and earn money online with access to short video platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.

They can give product reviews, promote brands, sell things and create a stark profile. It requires a lot of consistency as it will keep the audience engaged and earn influencers revenue.

5. Blogging and YouTube Videos

Considered the best way to earn money online, blogging has become another brilliant opportunity for teenagers to fetch them good money. Earlier writing was just considered as a medium to express one’s beliefs and passion. However, since blogs have become an indispensable part of marketing, the field has gained tremendous momentum.

There are several blogging platforms available online that you can choose, like WordPress, Medium, Tumblr, etc. you can pick any topic of your interest and share information or your experience.

By putting blogs consistently over those platforms, you would pull a lot of organic traffic to help you earn money. You can also monetize your blogs by running ads on them or promoting these blogs over social media to gain more readership.

Apart from blogging, YouTube videos also give brilliant exposure to teenagers and help them earn money. You can choose any particular field such as beauty, health, fitness and share tips, tricks, or other information related to them. You can even build your story and enact it to gain more views.

6. Affiliate Marketing

While the term - Affiliate marketing may seem to be new, it has been one of the crucial aspects of marketing. It has grown significantly over the past few years, and people understand it better. It is a widespread technique through which marketers drive sales and generate revenue out of that. You earn a commission every time you sell any company’s products. If you have a basic knowledge of social media branding and digital marketing, this job can help you earn a whopping amount.

As it has become a popular alternative to traditional marketing, its demand has undoubtedly increased in the market. You can become a certified affiliate marketer with even a short-term diploma and can take a step forward to your financial independence.

7. Online Survey

It is another way to earn money online, and by far, it is one of the easiest ways to earn money online. Swagbucks is a popular online website that pays teenagers for filling out surveys and watching videos. You can register yourself on the website, and you will receive surveys over your mail. Once you fill those forms, you will earn points that can be redeemed as cash. You can register yourself to 8-10 different websites, including Toluna, Telly Pulse, CashCrate, and earn well.

8. Online Teaching

We know how the pandemic forced everyone to stay inside houses. The education system got disrupted entirely. However, to continue the process, online education was promoted. After that, there has been a consistent rise of small startups in the education sector, giving a chance to freshers and youngsters to refine their teaching skills. There are several platforms on which you can join as a tutor.

Apart from that, teenagers can also start their own online classes. You can share your expertise in any field with other students. This is also considered one of the feasible ways to earn money for teens as they can manage it flexibly, along with their schools.

9. Owning a small business

After Instagram announced its business and shopping section in 2016, it boosted online business activity, and from the past few years, even teenagers are taking it seriously. There are many accounts over Instagram that teenagers handle. They sell paintings, merchandise, handmade gifts, and other things over the platform and earn money online.

You can also open your e-commerce and sell your products online. It requires consistency, and it helps in engaging your customer with the brand. While initially, it takes some time but once established, you can make a lot more money.

10. Data Entry

The data entry job is often considered as something that can help you earn lots of money. It comes with flexible timing and can be done from home; the only thing you require is a good typing speed and a laptop or computer device. With no investment, teenagers can easily earn money online in this way.

There are many websites over the internet that hire teenagers to create or categorise data for them. While this is a mundane task, companies usually choose temporary people to complete the work, and thus the job is quite popular among teenagers.

Conclusion

Learning and experiencing financial independence can help teenagers to be prepared for their future. The ways mentioned above can help them get real-world experience of how to earn money online. As a teenager, you must have different creative ideas and skills. The right time has come when you can apply those skills and earn extra money online. Additionally, these jobs will add more depth and experience to your resume as well.

The author is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the social media platform Uable.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Business Insider India.