Making Money Online: What No One Tells You

We've all seen the headlines: "Make $10,000 a month from your couch!" or "Quit your 9-5 and earn passive income overnight!" But if you've ever actually tried to make money online, you know it's not that simple. The online business world is filled with myths, misleading claims, and business models that work great for influencers with massive followings—but not so much for the average person starting from scratch.

In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to make money online. If you’ve been frustrated by get-rich-quick promises or you’re wondering why your efforts haven’t paid off yet, this is for you.

Why Most Online Money-Making Advice is Misleading

Influencers vs. Beginners: A Different Playing Field

One of the biggest misconceptions about making money online is thinking that the success stories you see on social media are easily replicable. Many influencers with hundreds of thousands (or millions) of followers make it look effortless. They sell digital products, courses, or coaching and rake in the cash.

But here’s the problem: They’re not starting from where you are.

An influencer with 400K+ followers can post a digital product link and make thousands of sales in a day. If you have 400 followers, that same strategy isn’t going to work.

What You Actually Need to Succeed:

A clear offer that solves a real problem (more on this later!)
An audience that trusts you (this takes time to build!)
A marketing strategy that goes beyond just posting on social media

The MLM & Social Selling Trap

I’ll be honest: I’ve been there. I’ve dabbled in MLMs (Beachbody, Melaleuca, Gold Canyon Candles) and have seen firsthand how recruitment-based business models work. While some people make money in MLMs, most don’t—because the business model is designed to reward those at the top, not new recruits.

The Problems with MLMs & Social Selling:

Your income depends on recruiting others, not just selling products.
You don’t actually own your business. The company can change policies, prices, or even shut down overnight.
You’re often required to buy and stock products (which can lead to financial loss).

I’m all for women finding ways to earn money, but I believe in building a business you actually own and control.

The Biggest Myths About Making Money Online

1. "If I Build It, They Will Come"

Creating an online course, digital product, or service does not automatically bring in sales. People won’t magically find your offer just because it exists.

What You Actually Need:

A traffic source (SEO, social media, paid ads, partnerships, etc.)
A compelling offer that speaks directly to your audience’s pain points
A sales process that nurtures leads and converts them into buyers

2. "Going Viral Will Make Me Rich"

While viral content can boost visibility, it doesn’t always lead to income. Vitality is unpredictable and often attracts the wrong audience—people who want entertainment, not necessarily your product or service.

Instead of chasing vitality, focus on:

Building a loyal audience
Creating consistent, high-value content that attracts the right people
Developing long-term marketing strategies (SEO, email marketing, relationship-building)

3. "All You Need is Social Media"

Social media is a rented space—you don’t own your Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook audience. If your account gets shut down, you lose everything.

What you do own:

Your website (your digital home base)
Your email list (direct access to your audience, no algorithm required!)
Your community (Skool, memberships, or other platforms where you can engage deeply with your audience)

The Three Core Elements of Making Money Online

Now that we’ve debunked the myths, let’s talk about what actually works.

1. A Clear Offer That Solves a Specific Problem

If you’re struggling to make money online, ask yourself: Does my offer solve a problem people are actively searching for?

Examples of strong online business offers:

Service-based business: Virtual assistant, copywriting, social media management
Digital products: Templates, workbooks, or guides that help people achieve a goal
Membership communities: A space where people can connect, learn, and grow together

2. An Audience That Knows, Likes, and Trusts You

Before someone buys from you, they need to trust you. That means showing up consistently and providing value before asking for a sale.

Ways to build an engaged audience:

Create valuable content that solves real problems
Engage with your community (reply to comments, answer DMs, build relationships!)
Use email marketing to nurture and connect with your audience outside of social media