Make Money Online: 25+ Proven Ways

Want to make money online but don't know where to start? You're not alone. More and more people in the Netherlands are looking for ways to build an income online - whether that's as a side job or as a full-time entrepreneur. In this comprehensive article, we'll share over 25 proven methods to make money online in 2026, including practical tips, expected earnings, and everything you need to know to get started.

Why making money online is becoming increasingly popular

The digital economy is growing rapidly. According to CBS, more and more people in the Netherlands are working fully or partially online, and the number of freelancers working purely digitally has doubled in recent years. The benefits of making money online are clear: flexibility, location independence, low start-up costs, and the ability to scale. Whether you're a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone looking to make a career change - there's a suitable business model for everyone.

However, it's essential to remember that making money online isn't a 'get rich quick' scheme. It requires effort, patience, and the right strategy. Let's take a systematic look at the different possibilities.

Overview: comparing online money-making methods

Below, you'll find a comprehensive overview of the most popular ways to make money online, including an estimate of start-up costs, difficulty level, and potential earnings.

Method	Start-up costs	Difficulty level	Expected monthly earnings	Time to first income
Selling on bol.com	€100–€500	Average	€500–€10.000+	2–4 months
Dropshipping	€50–€200	Average	€300–€5.000	2–4 months
Own webshop	€200–€1.000	High	€500–€20.000+	3–6 months
Freelance services	€0–€50	Low-Average	€500–€5.000	1–2 months
Affiliate marketing	€50–€200	Average	€100–€3.000	3–6 months
Online courses	€100–€500	High	€200–€10.000	3–6 months
YouTube/content creation	€0–€500	High	€100–€10.000+	6–12 months
Freelance writing	€0	Low	€300–€3.000	1–3 months
Virtual assistant	€0	Low	€500–€2.500	1–2 months
Print on demand	€0–€100	Average	€100–€3.000	2–4 months
Stock photography	€0–€500	Average	€50–€1.500	1–3 months
Blogging	€50–€200	Average	€100–€5.000	6–12 months

E-commerce: making money online by selling products

E-commerce is one of the most lucrative ways to make money online. You sell physical or digital products through a platform or your own webshop. Below, we'll discuss the most important e-commerce models.

1. Selling on bol.com

With over 13 million active customers, bol.com is the largest online platform in the Netherlands and Belgium. As a seller on bol.com, you directly benefit from this huge reach. You can start with a small assortment and gradually expand. Use tools like the Boloo Product Tracker to identify profitable products and analyze the competition. Also, check out our comprehensive guide on making money via bol.com.

2. Dropshipping

In dropshipping, you sell products without holding them in stock. Your supplier ships the product directly to the customer. This model has low startup costs, but the margins are usually smaller. It's crucial to find reliable suppliers - check out our overview of dropshipping suppliers for a good start.

3. Starting your own webshop

With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Lightspeed, you can relatively easily set up your own webshop. The advantage over marketplaces: you build your own brand, have full control over the customer experience, and don't pay commission per sale. The downside is that you have to attract customers yourself via SEO, ads, and social media.

4. Selling digital products

E-books, templates, software, presets, planners - digital products have no inventory or shipping costs and offer high margins. You create the product once and can sell it infinitely. Popular platforms include Gumroad, Etsy (for digital downloads), and your own website.

5. Print on demand

Design your own t-shirts, mugs, posters, or phone cases and sell them online. Production and shipping are handled by a print-on-demand partner like Printful or Gelato. You don't need to hold any stock, and the risk is minimal.

6. Selling handmade products

Are you creative? Platforms like Etsy and Bol.com offer opportunities to sell handmade products. From jewelry to candles, from knitted items to woodwork - the demand for unique, handmade products is growing. Use the Boloo Product Database to research which categories are most popular.

Freelancing and offering services

One of the fastest ways to make money online is to offer your knowledge and skills as a freelancer. You don't need a product - just your expertise.

7. Freelance writing

Companies constantly need content: blog posts, website texts, newsletters, and social media posts. If you can write well in Dutch (or English), you can get started right away. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.nl help you find your first clients.

8. Graphic design

Logos, social media visuals, flyers, website designs - the demand for graphic design is huge. With tools like Canva (for beginners) or Adobe Creative Suite (for professionals), you can create beautiful designs. Many freelance designers earn between €30 and €100 per hour.

9. Web development and programming

Web developers and programmers are among the highest-paid freelancers online. From simple WordPress sites to complex web applications - if you can code, there are countless opportunities. Popular languages for freelancers include JavaScript, Python, PHP, and React.

10. Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant, you support entrepreneurs and businesses remotely with tasks like email management, planning, bookkeeping, social media, and customer service. The barrier to entry is low, and you can start quickly. Hourly rates range from €15 to €40.

11. Online coaching and consulting

Do you have expertise in a specific field? You can offer online coaching or consulting. Think about business coaching, life coaching, nutrition advice, or marketing consulting. With platforms like Calendly and Zoom, you can easily schedule and conduct sessions.

12. Online tutoring

The online tutoring market is growing rapidly. Whether you teach math, English, Dutch, or programming - there's always a demand for good tutors. Platforms like Bijles.com and Superprof make it easy to find students.

13. Social media management

Many companies want to be active on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook, but don't have the time or knowledge to do it themselves. As a social media manager, you create content, plan posts, and analyze results. A growing market with good earnings.

Content creation and passive income

With content creation, you build an audience that you can monetize in various ways. It takes longer to earn money, but the potential for passive income is huge.

14. Blogging

A blog can generate money through ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine), affiliate links, sponsored articles, and selling your own products or services. Building a successful blog takes time (count on 6-12 months), but can eventually become a solid source of passive income.

15. Starting a YouTube channel

YouTube pays creators through the YouTube Partner Program based on ad views. Additionally, you can earn money through sponsorships, merchandise, and promoting your own products. Dutch YouTubers earn an average of €1-€5 per 1,000 views.

16. Hosting a podcast

Podcasting is growing strongly in the Netherlands. You can earn money through sponsorships, ads, donations (Patreon), and promoting your own products. Starting a podcast is cheap - a decent microphone and a hosting platform like Spotify for Podcasters is enough.

17. Creating online courses

If you have expertise in a field, you can bundle it into an online course. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable make it easy to offer courses. A good course can generate passive income for years.

18. Writing and selling e-books

With Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can publish and sell your own e-books worldwide. Non-fiction books on a niche topic often do well. The investment is minimal, and the royalties are up to 70%.

Affiliate marketing and advertising

19. Affiliate marketing

With affiliate marketing, you promote products or services from other companies and receive a commission per sale or lead. Popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, Bol.com Partner Program, Coolblue, and TradeTracker. You can promote affiliates through a blog, YouTube, social media, or email marketing.

20. Building niche websites

A niche website focuses on a specific topic (e.g., 'comparing espresso machines' or 'best camping chairs') and earns money through affiliate links and ads. By optimizing the site for search engines (SEO), you attract organic traffic that generates passive income.

Creatively earning money online

21. Stock photography and videography

Upload your photos and videos to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock and earn royalties for each download. Photos of people in natural settings, workplaces, and Dutch landscapes are particularly in demand.

22. Selling music and sound effects

Do you create music or sound effects? Platforms like AudioJungle, Epidemic Sound, and Artlist buy content for use in videos, podcasts, and ads. A growing market due to the explosion of video content.

23. NFTs and digital art

Although the hype has decreased somewhat, there are still opportunities to sell digital art through platforms like OpenSea and Foundation. Focus on quality and a strong story behind your work.

Other ways to earn money online

24. Online surveys and microtasks

Platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, and Euroclix pay you for filling out surveys, watching videos, and completing small tasks. The earnings are modest (€50–€200 per month), but it's an easy way to earn some extra money.

25. App development

If you can program, you can develop and publish your own apps in the App Store or Google Play. Apps can earn money through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads. It's an investment of time, but successful apps generate passive income.

26. Becoming an SEO consultant

Companies are investing more and more in search engine optimization. As an SEO consultant, you help companies rank higher in Google and generate more organic traffic. Hourly rates range from €50 to €150.

27. Translation work

Do you speak multiple languages? Translation work is a stable source of online income. Companies need translators for websites, documents, apps, and marketing materials. Platforms like ProZ and TranslatorsCafe help you find clients.

Tips for successfully earning money online

No matter which method you choose, these tips will help you become successful faster:

• Start small and scale up: start with one method and perfect it before diversifying.
• Invest in knowledge: take courses, read blogs, and learn from experienced entrepreneurs. Check out our course on selling on bol.com if you want to start with e-commerce.
• Use the right tools: good tools save time and increase your chances of success. The Boloo Sales Dashboard gives you real-time insights into your sales and revenue.
• Take care of administration: if you generate income regularly, you need a KvK registration and BTW number. Use a tool like the Boloo Automatic Invoicing to streamline your administration.
• Be patient: most online earning models take 3–6 months to generate serious income.
• Focus on value: the best way to earn money online is by offering real value to your customers or audience.

Common mistakes when earning money online

Many beginners make the same mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Trying to do too much at once: focus on one earning model instead of trying five at the same time.
• Not doing market research: before you start, research whether there's demand for your product or service. With the Boloo Keyword Explorer, you can check exactly what customers are looking for.
• Giving up too quickly: success rarely comes in the first month. Give yourself at least 6 months.
• Forgetting to invest: a small investment in tools, training, or marketing can significantly accelerate your results.
• Not keeping track of administration: keep track of your income and expenses from day one, even if it's small.

Conclusion: which way to earn money online suits you best?

There are dozens of ways to make money online, and the best choice depends on your skills, available time, and goals. Want to get started quickly with low costs? Begin as a freelancer or virtual assistant. Want to build a scalable business? Opt for e-commerce via bol.com or your own webshop. Want to create passive income? Invest in content creation or affiliate marketing.

The most important thing is to start today. Every successful online entrepreneur once took their first step. Choose the method that suits you best, make a plan, and get to work. With perseverance and the right approach, you can build a serious income online.

Want to start selling on bol.com? Sign up with Boloo and get access to powerful tools like the Product Tracker, Sales Dashboard, and Keyword Verkenner to grow your online business.