5 Ways I’m Exploring Making Money Online as an Introvert

If you’re an introvert like me, you probably know the feeling of desperately wanting to make money but cringing at the thought of public speaking, networking events, or anything that involves “putting yourself out there.” I’ve been there – sitting in my quiet corner, sipping tea, wondering if there’s a way to earn a living without abandoning my introverted sanctuary.

Over the years, I’ve explored several ways to make money online that align with my need for solitude, creativity, and the occasional dose of self-reflection. Some ventures worked out better than others (more on that later), but all of them were doable without turning me into an extroverted influencer. Here’s my tried-and-tested list:

1. Flipping Used Products

Flipping products was one of my first forays into online income, and it’s surprisingly rewarding. The introvert-friendly appeal? Most of the work involves scouting for bargains, fixing up items, snapping photos, and listing them online – all things you can do on your own terms.

I bought secondhand clothes from bundle stores and resold them on platforms like Carousell and Facebook Marketplace. One of my biggest wins was flipping a denim jacket for a 1000% profit margin after a minor repair.

However, I’ll admit – I wasn’t a fan of packing and sending packages for delivery. Still, the thrill of finding a hidden gem and turning it into profit made it worth it.

Pro Tip: Invest time in learning minor repairs or touch-ups. A small fix can significantly increase the value of an item, and detailed, attractive photos make a world of difference.

2. Selling Homemade Products

I once helped my parents sell a type of homemade drink online, and let me tell you, it was a lot of work. From preparing the drinks to managing orders, it was a full-on operation.

While Shopee and Lazada were our chosen platforms, I quickly realised how much effort went into packaging – and honestly, it felt like I was generating a lot of waste in the process, which left me conflicted.

Although the experience didn’t turn into a long-term venture, it was eye-opening. I gained a better appreciation for what goes into running a small-scale food business and learned how crucial presentation and branding are for online sales.

Pro Tip: If you’re diving into food-related products, consider sustainable packaging options. It’ll set you apart and reduce environmental guilt.

3. Freelancing

This is the bread-and-butter option for many introverts, myself included. Whether it’s writing, graphic design, or even something completely random, freelancing lets you leverage your skills or just your willingness to help.

The best part? You can choose gigs that don’t require video calls or constant communication.

On Fiverr, I experimented with a few services, from writing captions for social media to researching niche opportunities. Freelancing taught me that you don’t always need technical expertise – sometimes, it’s about offering a service people find useful or don’t want to handle themselves.

For example, I’ve seen gigs as unique as securing themed café reservations, and they’re surprisingly popular!

Pro Tip: Look for niche opportunities where demand outweighs supply. You’d be amazed at what people are willing to pay for with just a little effort on your part.

4. Ecommerce with a Flexible Online Store

I initially started with print-on-demand (POD) on Etsy, creating designs like minimalist graphics and clever slogans. Unfortunately, I didn’t make any sales on Etsy, so I decided to close that shop and open my own online store on Shopify, combining POD with dropshipping.

Running my own store gave me more control, but it also came with its challenges. Driving traffic and converting visitors into customers required significant effort in marketing and SEO.

While I’ve yet to see substantial income, the process has been a valuable learning experience. Despite the hurdles, the potential scalability of combining POD and dropshipping keeps me motivated to refine my approach.

Pro Tip: Start small and focus on testing different products and designs. Marketing is key – invest time in learning strategies like social media ads or SEO to drive traffic to your store.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a fancy way of saying, “I recommend things, and if you buy them, I get a cut.” It’s as introvert-friendly as it gets because you’re not creating products or handling customer service. You’re simply sharing products you genuinely love, usually through a blog, email newsletter, or social media.

One of my attempts at affiliate marketing is through a project I created on a whim: Travel Mobile. It’s an online quiz tool that helps travellers find the best eSIM for their needs.

While it’s still in its early days, I hope it becomes a helpful resource for people planning their trips. Integrating affiliate links into such a tool feels natural and aligns with my goal of providing value while earning commissions.

I’m holding off on recommending tools like website builders or productivity apps for now. While affiliate marketing is something I’m eager to explore further, I want to gain more experience and results before I confidently recommend products to others. For now, I’m focusing on building trust and creating valuable content that aligns with my own journey.

Pro Tip: Be authentic. Readers can smell a fake recommendation from a mile away, so stick to products you genuinely stand by.

Final Thoughts

Being an introvert doesn’t mean you’re sidelined from exploring the world of online income. In fact, introverts often excel in this space. Our strengths – thoughtfulness, creativity, and a preference for working independently – are perfectly suited to these ventures.

Not all of these efforts have yielded roaring successes for me (yet), but every attempt has been a lesson in itself. From flipping secondhand clothes to experimenting with ecommerce, I’ve learned that patience and persistence are key.

Some days, I wonder if I’m making progress, but even the smallest wins remind me that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

Whether it’s flipping products, crafting homemade goods, freelancing, running a flexible online store, or building a tool like TravelMobile.xyz, there’s always something new to try.

These methods may take time to gain traction, but they’re worth exploring – even if only to learn what works for you.

So, take a moment to reflect on what excites you most, make a plan, and give it a shot. The internet is a vast, sometimes overwhelming place, but there’s always room for thoughtful and creative individuals to carve out their niche.

Who knows? Your next step could lead to something remarkable.