The advancement in technology and the infinite reach of the Internet have created the ideal situation for individuals who desire to enter the world of entrepreneurship. Actually, the potential to earn consistent money online has been present for some time now; however, there has never been an opportunity to launch a business startup online with as much potential for success as it is at this current moment.

Some of the impediments that were present a decade ago have been consumed through the technology revolution. Building a website, which is essential to establishing and online presence, used to require highly technical skills that made it impossible for the average individual to even consider building their own site. The cost to pay someone to build a quality site that is highly functional could have easily ran into the thousands of dollars back then. Now anyone can build a highly functional and engaging site without any technical experience or expertise, and they can even do it for free.

What makes creating an online business so exciting is the fact that there are so many online business ideas that a person can use to launch their online business. Even for the person who does not have their own product to sell, there are still ways for them to earn revenue online.

Following are the top seven ways to earn money online. They mark the starting point for creating your own business online; however, there are a number of other options that are available to the person who is willing to put in the work.

1. Affiliate Marketing

The primary reason that I place affiliate marketing in the top spot is due to the fact that it provides an individual with an immediate way to earn money online without having their own product. Developing a quality product or service to sell online can be time consuming and costly, subsequently delaying the launch of a business, but having access to products and services that are created by someone else allows you to dive right in.

There are multitudinous online sites that offer affiliate programs. One of the most recognized is Amazon. There are also affiliate marketing programs that focus more on specific niches, such as ClickBank, RapBank and more. You would simply register with one or more of these sites and then find ways to promote the products, such as a website, landing page, blog, etc.

2. Blogging for Dollars

Due to the fact that it is so easy to start a blog these days, blogging is becoming increasingly popular among individuals who are looking to start their own online business. There are even sites that will allow you to build a blog site and manage it for free. Platforms such as Blogger and WordPress offer free blog platforms that can literally be launched in minutes. They also offer paid platforms that have more flexibility, which is good once you get your feet wet. The blogger platform is easier to monetize that the WordPress free platform, but building and hosting a paid WordPress site offers an infinite amount of options.

Blogging allows you to create content surrounding a specific area of expertise and passion that will attract followers. You can build a list of subscribers as these visitors come to your site, and you can market products and services to these subscribers. You can also set up ad campaigns on the site for passive income.

3. Offering Freelance Services

Working as a freelancer is a good way to earn some consistent money online. Because the online business world is growing so rapidly, there are always businesses that are looking to outsource certain responsibilities, such as content creation, site management, web design, programming and more. For the person who is skilled in any area in which companies are outsourcing, there is an opportunity to work as a freelancer.

There are a number of ways to get started. There are some experts that recommend mediums such as oDesk or eLance; however, I advise the individuals that I personally counsel to bypass these platforms because they can become a headache, and the earning potential is highly limited. It may take a little bit of work, but using forums to find work is more promising, and it allows you to build your worth at a more rapid pace. You can simply conduct a Google search for forums that are built around your area of expertise.

4. Information Marketing

Information marketing has built a substantial amount of momentum over the last several years, and it has not peaked yet. The demand for quality information is at an all-time high. There are individuals and business that are looking for information on every topic imaginable.

Creating eBooks, which can be done quite easily these days, and publishing them on any of a number of sites that sell digital publishing, such as Amazon, Smashwords, Yumpu and more, will open up the opportunity to make money through the distribution of relevant information.

5. Google AdSense

Google AdSense is a simple and quick way to add advertisements to your site or blog. By using the simple code generated by Google AdSense, you can place these ads on your site in a matter of minutes. You will accumulate money every time someone clicks on the ad. Setting up an account with Google AdSense is very simple. In fact, if you already have a Gmail or YouTube account, then you are already assigned an account with Google.

6. Creating a Dating Site

Although this may take a little bit more startup capital in order to create a functional site, it would be definitely worth it. The online dating world is expanding exponentially, and people are always looking for easy and safe ways to meet new people. There are certain risks and liabilities that must be considered, but the potential to generate considerable revenue is definitely there.

7. Video Streaming

If you have an outgoing personality, and you like engaging hot topics, there is plenty of money to be made through streaming video through platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo. There is no limit to the topics that can be discussed, and there are plenty of topics that are trending daily. Most video sharing sites have revenue sharing plans that allow their publishers to earn passive income while sharing their videos. This can be a viable option for the one who knows how to play to a camera.

You can use one of the online business ideas listed here, or you can dig deeper to find a specific niche that you are passionate about. There is no limit to the ways that money can be made on the Internet. Find your passion and then find the best way for you to use that passion to engage people who are online. This type of engagement will present numerous opportunities to make money.