I've been dabbling in a bit of freelancing (writing, graphic design) to earn some extra cash online, but I'm looking for more sustainable and potentially passive income streams that don't rely solely on trading time for money. I'm a beginner in the online business world, so I'm interested in ideas that have a relatively low barrier to entry and don't require a huge upfront investment. What are some legitimate and profitable online ventures that you've personally found success with, or would recommend for someone starting out? Think beyond just "do freelance work." Examples could include affiliate marketing, dropshipping, creating digital products (e-books, courses), starting a niche blog with ad revenue, or even micro-investing platforms. Any advice on getting started, common pitfalls to avoid, and realistic income expectations would be greatly appreciated.

1. Affiliate Marketing

   • Promote products via blogs/YouTube/socials.

   • Start with Amazon Associates, Gumroad, or Digistore24.

   • Tip: Choose a niche you enjoy. Build trust before pitching.

2. Digital Products (eBooks, Canva templates, Notion planners)

   • One-time effort, sell on Gumroad, Etsy, or your own site.

   • Tip: Focus on solving small, specific problems.