I’ve been exactly where you are right now. That feeling of staring at your laptop screen, wondering if you’re too late to the online game, if you’ve missed the boat completely. I couldn’t even envisage what the skills to make money online might be, never mind actually have them.
Three years ago, I was sitting at my kitchen table, and absolutely terrified about what came next. My pension wasn’t going to stretch far enough. My dreams of touring Europe in a campervan with my dog seemed to be slipping away. And there I was, 50 years old, wondering if I could possibly learn enough “tech stuff” to create an income online.
Spoiler alert: I could. And so can you.
You Don’t Need to Be a Digital Whizzkid
Let’s be clear about something straight away: you don’t need to be a tech wizard. You don’t need a fancy degree. And no, you definitely don’t need to dance on TikTok (what a relief, eh?).
When people our age start thinking about making money online, especially after decades in traditional jobs, it can feel like stepping into a foreign country without knowing the language. I’ve had friends my age say things like, “I’d love to do something online, but I’m not cut out for that stuff,” or “Those online businesses are for young people.”
Honestly? I understand completely. Been there, thought that.
But here’s the wonderful truth I wish I’d known sooner: you don’t need every skill to get started. You just need a few key ones and a willingness to learn as you go.
The Skills That Actually Matter (And You Probably Already Have Them)
These are the foundational abilities that will help you succeed online, and you might be surprised to discover you’ve been developing them throughout your career.
1. Communication (It’s More Than Just Talking)
This is absolutely crucial. And here’s the good news: if you’ve ever written a work email, had a team meeting, or explained something to a colleague. Congratulations, you’ve been practising this skill for decades!
Online businesses are built on clear communication. Whether you’re writing blog posts, crafting emails, or explaining your offer to a potential customer, you need to get your message across in a way that connects with people.
I remember writing my first blog post. I overthought it terribly, trying to sound “professional” and “internet-savvy.” It was dreadful. When I finally wrote as if I was just chatting with my neighbour over a cup of tea, everything changed. My engagement tripled overnight.
2. Marketing Basics (Don’t Worry, It’s Simpler Than It Sounds)
Marketing often sounds intimidating, especially to those of us who’ve never worked in that field. And let’s be honest here, sometimes it can feel a bit scammy. But stripped down to its essence, it’s really about connecting the right person with the right solution at the right time.
Let’s say you’ve spent years perfecting your sourdough bread recipe. Marketing is simply figuring out who’d love that bread, where they’re spending their time online, and how to let them know it exists.
You absolutely don’t need a marketing degree. Just an understanding of:
- How people think and what problems they’re trying to solve.
- How to explain what you’re offering in a way that resonates.
- Where your potential customers might be looking.
I started with just one platform, Pinterest, because that’s where my fellow Christmas addicts, sorry enthusiasts, gathered. I didn’t try to master Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all at once. Just one place, done consistently.
3. Time Management & Consistency
If you’ve balanced work, family commitments, household chores, and still managed to keep up with your favourite programmes, you already have exceptional time management skills.
Building a side hustle requires consistency more than anything else. There’s no boss telling you what to do (liberating!), but also there’s no boss telling you what to do (challenging!).
What worked for me:
- Setting aside just 45 minutes each morning before work.
- Using a simple paper planner (nothing fancy).
- Keeping a “done list” rather than just a to-do list to see my progress.
Think of it like tending a garden. A little watering each day, and eventually, things start to bloom. I still remember the day I made my first £27 online. I celebrated with a nice bottle of wine and felt like I’d conquered the internet!
4. A Willingness to Learn (Your Greatest Asset)
Let me be completely honest: of all the skills to make money online you might need, this one matters more than anything else, especially for us “digital immigrants” who didn’t grow up with this technology.
You don’t need to know everything today. You just need to be open to learning. Google is your best friend. YouTube tutorials? Absolute goldmines of free information. And there are so many courses specifically designed for our age group now.
I remember the first time I tried to set up an email newsletter. I accidentally sent a blank test email to my entire (tiny) list. Mortifying! But I watched a tutorial, sorted it out, and the next time? It took me half the time and worked perfectly.
Every time you learn something new, it gets a little less intimidating. You grow bit by bit, like building stamina for a long walk. You don’t start with a marathon.
What You Don’t Need (Let’s Clear Up Some Myths)
Before we go further, let’s address some common misconceptions that might be holding you back:
- You don’t need to be a computer programmer. Most online tools are designed to be user-friendly now.
- You don’t need to quit your job. A side hustle can be built in small chunks of time.
- You don’t need thousands of followers. Many successful online businesses have small, dedicated audiences.
- You don’t need to invest thousands. Start small and reinvest as you grow.
- You don’t need to be perfect. Start where you are, with what you have. If you wait to be perfect you will do just that … wait.
My Journey: From Technophobe to Online Income
When I first ventured into the online world, I was completely overwhelmed. I joined one of those flashy webinars that promised “six figures in six months” (if that sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen them too). I even bought a course (thankfully during a sale), but halfway through, I realised it was all jargon and no substance.
What actually helped me?
- Finding online communities of people my age doing similar things.
- Taking one small step each day, even when I felt completely clueless.
- Focusing on what I already knew well rather than trying to learn a completely new skill.
Six months in, I had a simple blog. A year later, I added another. Now, I have multiple income streams, all built slowly, steadily, with plenty of mistakes along the way.
Your Next Steps (Because You Can Start Today)
You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment to begin your online journey. Here are practical actions you can take right now:
- Take stock of what you already know well. What skills from your career are transferable? What hobbies or interests could you share? What problems have you solved that others might face?
- Choose just ONE small skill to develop this month. Maybe it’s learning how to use Facebook groups effectively. Or how to set up a simple blog. Just one thing.
- Find others like you who are a step or two ahead in their journey. Their advice will be more relevant than what the 25-year-old “gurus” are teaching.
Remember: you don’t need to know it all. You just need to start.
Have You Been Thinking About Making Money Online?
I’d love to hear where you are in your journey. Are you just starting to consider online options? Have you tried something that didn’t quite work? Or perhaps you’re already making some income online?
Share your experience in the comments below. I personally respond to every comment, and your insight might be exactly what another reader needs to hear today.
Remember: we may have started using the internet later than some, but we bring decades of life experience, professional skills, and wisdom to the table. That’s our superpower in this online world.