If you’re in need of extra income or want to start a business, you can use your laptop and internet connection to make money online. But beware — there are many scams out there. To avoid getting ripped off, watch out for any opportunity that promises to teach you how to make money online for free or asks for your personal information, like your Social Security number. These are likely bogus and could lead to identity theft.

There are a variety of legitimate ways to make money online, from blogging and freelance writing to building websites. But before you jump in, it’s best to know what your skills are and what you’re interested in. Then, you can find a home-based job that matches your abilities and skillsets.

One of the most popular ways to make money online is by selling digital content — think guides, ebooks, templates, music samples, plans and tutorials. This is a great option for creatives, who can sell their work through platforms like Etsy, which allows artisans to sell crafts and other products. Digital products have a high revenue potential and require low ongoing maintenance.

Another way to make money online is by selling physical products. This is an ideal option for people with craft skills, such as woodworking, jewelry-making and pottery. Sites like Etsy allow users to sell their handmade products to a global audience. In the past, the company has reported that its top sellers earn up to $2000 per month.

You can also earn cash by renting out your space on Airbnb. This is a good option if you have a spare room or couch that you’re not using. With a little effort, you can earn money from travelers staying in your home for a night or a few weeks.

A third way to make money online is by sharing coupons and promotions. Companies like Coupon Chief pay their affiliates a percentage of sales when customers click on their links and buy products. This is a great way to make a passive income, and it’s not as time-consuming as launching your own website or blog.

Lastly, you can make money by selling or trading domain names. This is a lucrative opportunity if you own a premium name that’s related to a popular industry or topic. For example, you can sell a domain that includes the word “financial” or “tech.”

If you’re willing to take on a longer-term commitment, you can become an expert and offer your services through sites like JustAnswer. These sites pay their experts a fee for answering questions from users. You can also make money as a tutor or consultant. For instance, you can offer your expertise through a video chat program or on an online forum.