I’ve been helping people build online side hustles for years now, and one question I hear constantly is about the most common ways to make money online. If you’re in your 50s or 60s and looking to supplement your pension and savings, you’ve come to the right place!
When I first started exploring online income opportunities, I was overwhelmed by the options. Through trial and error (and yes, a few mistakes along the way), I’ve learned which methods work best for those of us who want reliable income without requiring massive time commitments or technical expertise.
Selling Products Online
One of the most straightforward ways to earn money online is by selling products, either physical items or digital goods.
Physical Products: Platforms like eBay and Etsy allow you to sell handmade crafts, vintage items, or even things you no longer need. I once decluttered my home and sold a bunch of unused collectibles on eBay. Not only did I make some extra cash, but I also freed up space that had been bothering me for years.
Many of my readers have found success selling items they’ve collected over decades – things that younger sellers simply don’t have access to. That vintage record collection or those first-edition books might be worth more than you think!
Digital Products: These include e-books, printables, or online courses based on knowledge you’ve accumulated throughout your career. The beauty of digital products is that you create them once and sell them multiple times without worrying about inventory or shipping.
I’ve created several digital guides based on my business experience, and they continue to generate income even when I’m travelling or spending time with friends. It’s truly passive income at its best.
Offering Services Based on Career Experience
You, like me, probably have decades of professional expertise. Well, many more than you are comfortable admitting anyway! Consulting in your industry can be particularly lucrative and flexible. And it is not that difficult.
For example, you could turn your marketing knowledge into a part-time consulting service. Imagine working just 10 hours weekly with local businesses. This can generate income and allow you to set your own schedule—perfect for balancing with family commitments. And you don’t need to learn anything new.
Start by reaching out to small businesses in your area that can’t afford full-time marketing staff. I am sure they would be delighted to have someone with extensive experience available on a part-time basis.
My boss is due to retire at the end of March. He has already been offered a job for a few hours every day – and that is without looking. He’s not going to take it as he doesn’t want to start retirement with a job that requires him to work every day, even if only for a few hours. But it does show that we are still employable. And there might be some ways to make money online that you haven’t even considered.
Affiliate Marketing for Mature Audiences
This involves promoting products or services you genuinely use and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link. It’s perfect for those of us who have spent decades learning what works and what doesn’t.
I started a small blog and partnered with relevant product companies. Whenever someone purchased a product through my recommendation, I earned a commission. The key was recommending only products I truly believed in – our generation values authenticity above all else.
Content Creation with Life Experience
Creating engaging content based on your life experience can attract an audience seeking wisdom that only comes with age.
Blogging: Writing about topics you’re passionate about can draw readers. You could start blogging about that hobby of restoring vintage furniture, sharing techniques learned over many years. The blog would then earn through advertising and sponsored posts.
YouTube: Contrary to popular belief, YouTube isn’t just for the young. There’s a significant audience seeking content from people with life experience. Topics like retirement planning, gardening, woodworking, cooking, or travel for seniors perform exceptionally well.
Podcasting: With the rise of audio content consumption, starting a podcast on a niche topic can attract sponsorships. The intimate nature of audio makes it perfect for sharing wisdom and stories accumulated over decades.
Online Teaching and Mentoring
After decades in the workforce, you have knowledge that younger generations would pay to access.
Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Teachable allow you to create and sell courses based on your professional expertise or hobbies. I created a course on financial planning for retirement, and it’s been rewarding to see students benefit from my experience.
Mentoring: Many professionals will pay for mentorship from someone who has navigated the career path they’re pursuing. You can conduct these sessions via Zoom at your convenience.
Print-on-Demand Using Your Creative Skills
If you have artistic skills or an eye for design developed over years of experience, print-on-demand services let you sell products without holding inventory.
You design graphics for products like t-shirts, mugs, or home décor, and when someone orders, the company prints and ships it. I started creating designs featuring nostalgic references from the 70s and 80s – appealing to our generation and younger people embracing retro trends.
Final Thoughts on Possible Ways to Make Money Online
The internet offers numerous opportunities to monetise the knowledge and skills you’ve gathered throughout your life. The key is finding something that aligns with your interests and existing expertise.
I recommend starting small, perhaps with just one of these methods, and expanding as you gain confidence. Remember that you have a significant advantage over younger online entrepreneurs: decades of real-world experience and wisdom that can’t be faked or quickly acquired.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into any of these methods, I’ll be covering each in more detail in upcoming posts. Do share in the comments which approach interests you most or if you have questions about getting started. Let’s continue this journey together – it’s never too late to start something new!
Look out for the next post in the series: “How Much Money Do I Need to Start an Online Business?” (Spoiler: it’s probably less than you think!)