5 Unconventional Ways to Make Money Online with No Audience

5 Unconventional Ways to Make Money Online with No Audience


How I made $2,000 in my first month without any following


When I first explored making money online, I thought success required a massive audience. However, I soon discovered unconventional ways to generate income without followers. These methods are perfect for beginners because they leverage platforms that connect you directly with buyers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing.


Why these methods work for beginners

  • They don’t rely on social proof or followers.
  • Platforms do much of the marketing for you. You can start with minimal upfront investment.
  • Required skills and equipment: Basic photography, design, or recording knowledge.
  • Access to a smartphone or computer.
  • Stable internet connection.
  • Investment needed: Varies between $0 to $200 depending on the method.
  • Expected timeline for first income: About 2-6 weeks, depending on your work and choice of the method.



1: Selling Stock Photos and Videos


The easiest way to get paid online is to sell stock images and videos. Examples of platforms such as Shutterstock, Envato Elements, Getty Images, Istock, and Pond5 combine the aspirations of creatives with those who want premium imagery.


Equipment requirements

  • Smartphone with a good camera or DSLR.
  • Basic photo editing software (e.g., Lightroom).

In-demand content types:

  • Nature and landscapes.
  • Business settings (e.g., people working on laptops).
  • Lifestyle images.
  • Abstract and background textures.


Keyword optimization:

Please include appropriate keywords for your uploads so they can be indexed.

For example, a photo of a coffee cup on a desk might include tags like “productivity,” “workspace,” and “cozy.”


Pricing strategy:

Start with competitive pricing and increase as your portfolio grows. Most platforms have tiered pricing systems based on exclusivity.


Batch creation process:

Dedicate time to capturing and editing multiple photos or videos in one session. This efficiency boosts output and income potential.


Portfolio building:

Upload consistently and diversify your portfolio to appeal to various buyers.



2: Online Creative Competitions


Compete in online creative challenges for prize money and notoriety. Platforms such as 99designs or Vocal Media, for instance, are all organizing contests in areas like graphic design, writing, etc.


Competition types:

  • Logo and branding design.
  • Short story and poetry submissions.
  • Marketing campaigns or slogans.

Success strategies:

  • Study winning entries to understand trends.
  • Focus on competitions aligned with your strengths.

Portfolio development:

Although winning the competition is not guaranteed you can submit any entries to your prospective portfolio for the purpose of finding potential clients at a later date.


Client communication:

Building relations is asked to be done by the contest organizers for the ultimate aim of employment.

Winning techniques:

  • Submit early to gain feedback and refine your entry.
  • Stick to the brief and add unique, innovative touches.
  • Time management: Prioritize contests with reasonable deadlines and higher payouts.



3: Voice Overs for AI Systems



The demand for voiceovers in AI systems and apps is rising. Platforms like Voices.com and Bunny Studio allow you to monetize your voice.


Voice training basics:

  • Practice clear enunciation and a consistent tone.
  • Explore free YouTube tutorials for voice training.

Recording setup:

  • A decent USB microphone (e.g., Blue Yeti).
  • Quiet space or basic soundproofing.
  • Free editing software like Audacity.


Quality requirements: Deliver high-quality, noise-free recordings.

Pricing structure: Charge per word, minute, or project. Start competitively and increase as you gain experience.


Marketing strategy: Create samples showcasing your voice range and upload them to your profile.

Volume optimization: Accept smaller gigs initially to build momentum and reviews.



4: User Research Studies


Earn money by being a paid user and giving feedback. Platforms, e.g., Prolific, Respondent, and User Interviews, connect you to studies that have been tailored to suit your profile.


Qualification process:

  • Complete your profile thoroughly and honestly.
  • Highlight unique traits that match niche studies.

Study types:

  • Academic research.
  • Product feedback.
  • Website usability testing.

Time management:

  • Allocate specific times to check for new studies.
  • Prioritize higher-paying opportunities.

Payment structures: Most studies pay $10-$100 per hour. Payments are processed via PayPal or direct transfer.

Profile optimization: Update your profile regularly to qualify for more studies.

Finding high-paying studies: Look/Join online communities/Reddit groups and get tips/leads posted online, e.g.



5: NFT Creation and Sales


Non-fungible token (NFT) provides representation for the creative creator of a non-fiction digital asset as a unique digital object. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible are great starting points.


Market overview: NFTs can represent art, music, GIFs, or even memes.


Creation process:

  • Design digital art using software like Photoshop or Canva.
  • Mint your NFT on a platform of choice.


Platform selection: To make a decision on which platform to choose, consider research cost and community size, please.


Pricing strategy: At the beginning to drive sales to promote sales in the market, sell low first, and then gradually sell at a higher price level when demand rises.


Marketing basics: Use Twitter, Discord, and niche communities to promote your NFT collection.

Community building: Engage with collectors and other creators to expand your reach.


Trend analysis: Stay updated on what’s trending in the NFT space to guide your creations.

Tools and Resources


Essential equipment:

  • Smartphone, computer, or microphone.
  • Editing tools for photos, videos, or audio.

Software needed:

Learning resources:


Community support: Join forums, Discord groups, or subreddits in your niche.


Cost breakdown:

  • Stock photo creation: $0-$50.
  • Voiceover setup: $50-$200.
  • NFTs: Gas fees vary.


ROI analysis: Start small, reinvest earnings, and track income.

Implementation Strategy




30-day action plan:

  • Week 1: Research and set up accounts.
  • Week 2: Create and upload your first portfolio pieces.
  • Week 3: Engage with platforms and promote your work.
  • Week 4: Analyze results and adjust strategies.


Income goals: Set realistic milestones based on your chosen method.


Time allocation: Dedicate at least 1-2 hours daily to consistent effort.


Platform selection: Focus on 1-2 platforms initially to avoid overwhelming yourself.


Quality standards: Strive for professionalism in all outputs.


Progress tracking: Maintain a simple spreadsheet to monitor earnings and project statuses.

Common Challenges & Solutions


Technical issues: Use free or affordable troubleshooting guides online.


Competition handling: Focus on quality and consistency to stand out.


Time management: Set specific, achievable goals for each day.


Quality control: Regularly seek feedback to improve.


Client communication: Use polite, concise messaging.


Payment processing: Research reliable options like PayPal or direct deposit.

Scaling Your Income


Multiplying revenue streams: Diversify into multiple platforms or methods.


Automation opportunities: Use tools to streamline repetitive tasks.


Outsourcing potential: Delegate tasks like editing or marketing.


Investment strategies: Reinvest profits into better tools or education.


Growth metrics: Track engagement, sales, and client feedback.


Future opportunities: Explore related niches or advanced roles.

Success Stories & Case Studies


Real examples:

  • A graphic designer earning $500 per logo on 99designs.
  • A photographer making $1,000 monthly from stock sales.


Income breakdowns:

  • Stock photos: $0.50-$5 per download.
  • Voiceovers: $10-$100 per project.


Timeline expectations:

  • First sale within 2-6 weeks.
  • Steady income after 3-6 months.


Learning curves:

  • Start simple, then refine as you gain experience.


Key insights:

  • Consistency is more important than perfection.
  • Learn from your mistakes and adapt.


Best practices:

  • Stay organized and set clear goals.
  • Continuously improve your skills.


By implementing these unconventional methods, you’ll discover that making money online doesn’t require a massive following—just creativity, persistence, and the willingness to learn.

Created with systeme.io