A computer is an important tool not only to prepare and store documents or stay connected online, but it can be a valuable resource for persons searching for ways to earn extra income. Let’s look at some of the ways in which your computer, especially when used along with the Internet, can be turned into an income-generating device.

Document preparation

There are many persons who do not have the ability to prepare common documents that they need to carry out their businesses. Armed with a computer and basic knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point, you could provide a service to help persons to type letters and projects, create spreadsheets, and design presentations. With Internet service you could also prepare online documents for embassy applications and other web submission forms.

Graphic design

If you have a flair for design and some training in graphic software, you can use your computer to create a range of products for individuals and small businesses. Brochures, flyers, wedding or funeral programmes, business cards and advertisements are just some of the types of products that can be produced in your spare time. Look for customers at churches, schools and by targeting business owners.

Social media services

The growth of social networking sites such as Facebook, where persons share stories and opinions with online friends, has revolutionised the world of marketing. More businesses now realise the value of reaching out to prospective customers using the power of these sites.

If you are internet savvy, you could provide a social media service to carry out activities such as posting articles, managing a fan page, sending out tweets and making links to support a company’s promotional objectives.

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Website building

The Internet is rapidly becoming an indispensable sales and marketing tool for small enterprises, and more Jamaican business owners are recognising the necessity of creating an online presence for their companies. If you have the technical know-how to create a simple but effective website for a business, then you could have a profitable part-time earning opportunity. Network within the small business community and emphasise the affordability of your service.

E-Jobs

Persons with marketable skills can use the Internet to locate part-time earning opportunities all over the world, as more companies are seeking to outsource many of their job requirements to cut costs. Freelance workers can register at bureaus such as ELance.com, oDesk.com and Amazon’s Mturk.com to be hired in areas such as web development, multimedia design, administrative support and content writing.

Forums

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get paid just for your insatiable desire to converse? Well, there are websites that will pay you to start and participate in online discussions on topics that you are interested in. One example is myLot.com which provides users with free accounts to post their thoughts and ideas on various issues. While the returns might be relatively small, you have the ability to earn while voicing your opinions, an activity that most of us do for free!

Online referrals

With millions of websites offering a variety of products, it can be challenging for a business to get noticed online. One method of increasing sales is to reward persons for recommending customers and the Internet is chock-full of opportunities to earn referral income. For example, a Jamaican online shopping mall, VirtualMallJamaica.com, offers J$1,000 to individuals who encourage merchants to join their portal.

Pay-to-click sites

Several companies utilise a form of internet advertising called Pay Per Click (PPC), where they only pay for advertising when a web user clicks on their online message and links to their website. Intermediaries, called Pay To Click (PTC) sites, offer persons the ability to earn by clicking on advertising links, reading emails, responding to surveys and referring others to do the same. One such program is now available in Jamaica at JamaicaAdvertisingAdvantage.com. There is some uncertainty about the ethics of using PTC sites to earn, as most of the users really have no interest in the advertisers’ products. Search the web to learn more about click fraud and PPC scams.

Internet café

As the need for Internet access increases across Jamaica, enterprising entrepreneurs can take advantage of the lack of computer facilities in many communities. If there’s a shortage of this vital resource in your neighbourhood, then an investment in a computer or two, along with a suitable room in your house could be all it takes to launch a small Internet café business. Leave flyers promoting your offer at homes and schools in your area.

When using the Internet to make extra money, ensure that you thoroughly check out all websites for possible scams. While it is a convenient source for business, the Internet can also be a haven for cyber criminals. Stay away from sites that request your banking information or require you to pay a large fee before joining. Remember the cardinal rule: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

Copyright © 2010 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, September 23, 2010

Cherryl is a financial consultant and coach, founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl