Many people ask “How to make money online”. I often respond by listing the different legitimate ways I know of how to earn online, like blogging, affiliate marketing, getting a job from home, just to name a few. However, I have found that I usually deal with people who are new to this type of business and what they really want is simple, easy to understand steps on how to get started. I have created 4 easy steps to follow on what to do before you start making money online.

Step #1: Create a separate email account

Create an account from any free email account provider, like Yahoo or Gmail. This is to separate your personal emails from online business emails. Here’s a top tip: stick to variations of your name to keep it formal (eg JSmith(at)gmail.com, JonathanSmith(at)yahoo.com). Who would you rather do business with, JSmith(at)gmail.com or HunkyDude(at)gmail.com?

Step #2: Open an Online Payment Processor Account

The most widely accepted online processor is PayPal, so go ahead and open an account there. A personal Paypal account is enough to get started. But if you want to start a business and accept credit or debit card payments, open a Premier or Business Account.

Step #3: Decide if you want a job or a business

This is where you need to decide if you want to make money with an online job or go into business. An online job is the same as any other traditional job where an employer pays you for tasks performed. This can be on a per project basis or on a more regular basis, part time or full time. Affiliate marketing, eBay selling, or even blogging can all be classified as businesses. You don’t have an employer. It may be seen by others as more risky but the financial rewards are better.

Step #4: Apply for jobs or get free training

If you have decided to find a job, go ahead and apply online. There are many reputable job boards or sites; all you have to do is search for it on Google or other search engines. One rule of thumb though: never pay anything to get a job. If you want to start a business, it is best to start by getting access to free online training courses from reputable sites. This will help you make an informed decision before shelling out any money. Click here for free training to get started. Once you’ve done these 4 steps, with a little effort and a lot of focus, you’ll be well on your way to making money online.