How to Make Money Online: 25 Proven Ways (2026)

More and more people in the Netherlands are discovering the possibilities of making money online. Whether you want to build a full-time income, find a side hustle, or just generate some extra pocket money - the internet offers countless opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss 25+ proven methods to make money online in 2026, including realistic earnings, startup costs, and difficulty levels.

Why making money online is more popular than ever

The digital economy is growing exponentially. According to the CBS, more than 15% of the Dutch working population now works (partly) online. Making money online offers unique benefits: you can work from anywhere, at any time, startup costs are low, and you can scale your reach without physical limitations. Moreover, the threshold to get started has decreased significantly in recent years thanks to platforms like bol.com, Amazon, Shopify, and various freelance platforms.

Benefits of making money online

• Location-independent - work from home, a café, or abroad
• Low startup costs - many methods require minimal investment
• Scalability - increase your income without working proportionally more hours
• Flexibility - set your own working hours and pace
• Passive income - some methods generate income in the background

Making money online: comparison table

Below, you'll find an overview of the most popular methods to make money online, including difficulty level, startup costs, and expected income.

Method	Difficulty level	Startup costs	First income after	Potential monthly income
Selling on bol.com	Average	€50 – €500	2 – 4 weeks	€500 – €10.000+
Dropshipping	Average	€100 – €300	1 – 3 months	€300 – €5.000+
Affiliate marketing	Low	€0 – €50	2 – 6 months	€100 – €3.000+
Freelance writing	Low	€0	1 – 4 weeks	€500 – €4.000+
Own webshop	High	€200 – €1.000	2 – 4 months	€500 – €20.000+
Creating online courses	High	€50 – €200	3 – 6 months	€200 – €10.000+
YouTube channel	High	€100 – €500	6 – 12 months	€100 – €5.000+
Virtual assistant	Low	€0	1 – 2 weeks	€800 – €3.000+
Print on demand	Average	€0 – €100	1 – 3 months	€200 – €3.000+
Social media management	Average	€0 – €50	2 – 4 weeks	€1.000 – €5.000+

E-commerce: the most popular way to make money online

E-commerce is by far the most popular way to make money online in the Netherlands. With platforms like bol.com, you can reach millions of potential customers directly without having to set up your own webshop.

1. Selling on bol.com

Bol.com is the largest online sales platform in the Benelux, with over 13 million active customers. As a bol.com partner, you can offer your products to this huge audience. The commission varies per product category (5%–17%), and you can use bol.com's logistics network via Logistics via bol (LVB). With tools like the Boloo Sales Dashboard, you can keep track of your sales, profits, and margins accurately.

2. Dropshipping

With dropshipping, you sell products without holding them in stock. Your supplier ships the product directly to the customer. This model significantly reduces financial risk. Platforms like bol.com and Shopify make dropshipping accessible to beginners. However, keep in mind the longer delivery times and lower margins.

3. Starting your own webshop

With your own webshop, you have full control over your brand, prices, and customer relationship. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento make it technically easy. The downside is that you're responsible for generating traffic through SEO, ads, and social media.

4. Print on demand

Print on demand allows you to sell custom designs on products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You design, a partner prints and ships. No inventory risk, but the margins are limited (usually 15%–30%).

5. Selling digital products

E-books, templates, presets, planners, and spreadsheets are examples of digital products that you create once and can sell unlimitedly. The profit margin is almost 100% since there are no production costs per unit.

6. Selling on multiple marketplaces

Besides bol.com, you can also sell on Amazon, Etsy, Marktplaats, and Vinted. By being active on multiple platforms, you increase your reach. Use the Boloo Product Tracker to analyze which products perform well on different platforms.

Freelancing and services

If you have specific skills, you can use them online to make money. Freelancing offers quick income without large investments.

7. Freelance writing

Companies constantly need blog posts, website content, product descriptions, and social media texts. Freelance writers earn an average of €0.05–€0.25 per word, depending on the niche and experience. Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.nl.

8. Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant, you help entrepreneurs with tasks like email management, planning, customer service, and social media. The startup costs are minimal, and you can start right away. Hourly rates vary from €15 to €50.

9. Graphic design

With tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Figma, you can create logos, social media visuals, packaging designs, and more for clients. Graphic designers earn an average of €25–€75 per hour, depending on specialization.

10. Web development and programming

Developers are among the highest-paid freelancers online. Whether you build websites, develop apps, or create software - the demand for technical talent is huge. Hourly rates start at €50 and can go up to €150+.

11. Online coaching and consulting

If you have expertise in a field - business, fitness, finance, marketing - you can monetize it as an online coach or consultant. 60-minute sessions are often priced between €75 and €250.

12. SEO consultancy

With knowledge of search engine optimization, you help businesses rank higher on Google. SEO consultants earn an average of €50–€100 per hour. Use tools like the Boloo Keyword Verkenner to efficiently conduct keyword research.

Content creation and social media

Content creators earn money with their creativity. Income often grows exponentially as your audience grows.

13. YouTube channel

YouTube pays an average of €1–€5 per 1,000 views via the partner program. Additionally, you can earn money through sponsor deals, affiliate links, and merchandising. Requirements for monetization: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours per year.

14. Blogging

A blog generates income through advertisements (Google AdSense), affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and your own products. Successful bloggers earn €500–€5,000+ per month. The key is to consistently publish valuable content and optimize for SEO.

15. Podcasting

Podcasts are monetized through sponsor deals, listener donations (Patreon), premium content, and affiliate marketing. The market is growing rapidly - in 2025, 35% of the Dutch population regularly listened to podcasts.

16. Social media influencer

With a large and engaged audience on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, you can earn money through brand collaborations, sponsored posts, and your own products. Micro-influencers (5,000–50,000 followers) earn €100–€500 per sponsored post.

17. Stock photography

Upload your photos to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images and earn royalties for each download. You receive €0.25–€5.00 per photo per download. With a large portfolio, this generates a decent passive income.

Education and knowledge sharing

18. Creating online courses

Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare make it easy to sell your knowledge as an online course. Popular course topics: programming, marketing, photography, language teaching. Earnings: €500–€10,000+ per month with a successful course program. Also, check out our courses on selling on bol.com.

19. Online tutoring

Help students with subjects like math, physics, English, or programming. Platforms: Bijles.nl, Superprof, Preply. Hourly rates: €15–€50 depending on the subject and level.

20. Writing and publishing e-books

Self-publishing via Amazon KDP or Bol.com makes it possible to publish a book without a publisher. Royalties are attractive: 35%–70% of the sale price. Successful authors earn €100–€5,000+ per month.

Investments and passive income

21. Affiliate marketing

Promote products from other companies and receive a commission per sale or lead. Popular affiliate networks: bol.com Partnerprogramma, Amazon Associates, Tradetracker, Daisycon. Successful affiliates earn €500–€3,000+ per month with a well-built website or social media channel.

22. Investing and trading

Online platforms like DEGIRO, eToro, and BUX allow you to invest in stocks, ETFs, crypto, and more. Note: investing involves risks. Always diversify and only invest money you can afford to lose.

23. Peer-to-peer lending

Through platforms like Mintos and PeerBerry, you can lend money to individuals or businesses and receive interest. Average return: 6%–12% per year. There is a risk that borrowers will not repay.

Other methods to earn money online

24. App Development

If you can program, you can develop and sell apps through the App Store or Google Play. Earning models: one-time purchase, in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads. Development costs vary greatly, but a successful app can generate thousands of euros per month.

25. Online Surveys and Microtasks

Platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, and GfK offer rewards for filling out surveys and small tasks. Earnings are limited (€1–€5 per hour), but it's low-threshold and suitable as extra pocket money.

26. Domain Trading

Buy domain names that are potentially valuable and sell them later for a profit. Successful domain traders earn hundreds to thousands of euros per transaction, but it requires market knowledge and patience.

How to Choose the Right Method to Earn Money Online?

The best method depends on your situation. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How much time do you have? - Full-time or as a side income?
• What is your budget? - Some methods require a starting investment
• What skills do you have? - Technical skills, creativity, or commercial talent?
• Do you want active or passive income? - Freelancing is active, affiliate marketing can be passive
• How much risk can you take? - E-commerce with inventory vs. services without risk

Step-by-Step Plan to Get Started

1. Choose your method - Start with one focus, not five at once
2. Do market research - Analyze the competition and the earning model. Use the Boloo Product Database if you choose e-commerce
3. Start small - Test your idea with minimal investment
4. Register with the KvK - Once you generate structural income, this is legally required
5. Scale up - Invest profits in growth, marketing, and optimization
6. Keep track of your finances - Use the Boloo Winstcalculator to accurately calculate your margins and profit

Common Mistakes When Earning Money Online

• No patience - Most methods take months to generate structural income
• Too much on your plate - Focus on one method and become good at it
• No administration - Don't forget to register your income and expenses for tax purposes
• No investment in knowledge - Follow courses, read blogs, and learn from successful entrepreneurs
• Unrealistic expectations - Earning money online is not a 'get rich quick' scheme

Taxes and Administration

If you structurally earn money online, you are required to report this to the Tax Authority. Important points to consider:

• More than €800 per year: registration with the KvK as a sole proprietorship or VOF
• VAT return is mandatory for structural turnover (unless you use the small business scheme)
• Keep all your receipts, invoices, and bank statements
• Consider automatic invoicing to streamline your administration

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Money Online

How much can you earn with online money making?

This varies greatly: from a few euros per month (surveys) to tens of thousands of euros (successful web shops or freelancers). Most beginners earn €200–€1,000 per month in the first 6 months.

Do you need a KvK number?

Yes, as soon as you're earning money structurally and with a profit motive, you need to be registered with the KvK. For hobby activities under €800 per year, this usually doesn't apply.

What's the fastest way to earn money online?

Freelancing (writing, design, VA) and selling on existing marketplaces (bol.com, Marktplaats) are the fastest ways. You can generate your first income within 1–2 weeks.

Is it safe to earn money online?

Generally, yes, as long as you use reliable platforms and are cautious of scams. Avoid offers that sound too good to be true, never pay for a 'job', and always use secure payment methods.

Can I earn money online without start-up capital?

Absolutely. Freelancing, affiliate marketing, blogging, YouTube, and online tutoring require little to no initial investment. You're mainly investing your time and expertise.