Welcome to The Paid Professional. If you’re curious about how people are using the internet to grow their income, you’re in the right place. I’m about to walk you through my journey in digital marketing, some hard lessons, and the real-world ways people are earning through digital platforms today.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone simply looking to expand your opportunities, this post was written for you.
The Turning Point
In December 2015, I was fresh out of law school. Like most people, I believed the only path to success was through a traditional career. But everything changed when I stumbled on the world of digital entrepreneurship. I wanted to know more.
I started to hear words like freelancing, digital marketing, sales funnels, copywriting, and email marketing. At first, I didn’t understand any of it, but something told me I needed to learn.
I didn’t know people were earning a living online — real, sustainable income. It fascinated me. So, I started blogging casually, more as a learning journal than a business, while I focused on my legal career.
But I made a big mistake…
The Hard Lesson
For five plus years, I tried everything on my own — blogged without direction, downloaded courses I didn’t finish, started side projects that failed. I spent hours trying to “crack the code,” but I had no results to show for it.
The truth? I was learning in isolation with no mentors, and I was not in a community. There was also no precise strategy.
Everything changed in 2020 when I found people like Toyin Omotoso, a Nigerian digital marketing expert who had the results to back up his knowledge. Through him and others, I began to understand what the online world was really about — and how to approach it the right way.
That’s when things began to shift. I learned a lot from Toyin Omotoso’s Platform.
What You Need to Know About Earning Online
Let’s clear something up: making money online is not magic, and it’s not passive in the beginning. But it is possible — and millions of people are doing it right now.
The core idea is simple:
To earn online, you must offer something of value.
This can be a product (physical or digital), a service (your skill), or information (your knowledge). Then, you use digital tools to reach people who need what you offer.
And yes, marketing is key. Even the best product won’t sell if nobody sees it. Learning how to promote your offer is half the game.
Now, let’s look at four business models anyone can use to earn in today’s digital economy.
1. Freelancing and Consulting
Freelancing is one of the easiest ways to start earning online — no capital needed.
It means using your skill to help someone else solve a problem. Businesses and entrepreneurs all over the world are looking for people with digital skills like:
- Writing and editing
- Graphic design
- Web design
- Video editing
- Social media management
- Digital Marketing
- Voice-over work
- Translation
- Transcription
- Programming
Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork connect you to these clients. The beauty of freelancing is that you can start today if you have a skill, and if you don’t, you can learn one. Some in-demand digital skills can be learned in a few weeks with the right focus.
Why Freelancing Works
- You set your rates
- You work from anywhere
- You build your portfolio over time
- It can lead to high-paying consulting gigs
If you’re looking for the fastest route to earning online, start here.
2. Affiliate Marketing/Digital Marketing
This model of digital marketing is what I’m most passionate about.
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn money by promoting other people’s products. You don’t need to create your own product, handle customer service, or even manage a website.
Here’s how it works:
- You sign up for an affiliate program.
- You receive a unique link.
- You share that link online.
- When someone clicks and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
Some programs pay 5% commission, others pay 50%, and some go as high as 90%.
You can promote physical products (like gadgets or fashion) or digital products (like online courses, software, or ebooks). You can share your links via social media, blogs, email, WhatsApp, or YouTube.
My Digital Marketing Journey
I struggled at first — until I found Digital Boss Academy, an affiliate program that also teaches digital marketing. It was the guide I wish I had when I started.
Now I help others learn how to make their first affiliate sale and grow from there. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert or own a blog to get started.
If you’re curious, I highly recommend you check it out.
3. Information Publishing
Have you ever explained something so well that someone said, “You should teach this!”?
Information publishing is all about turning what you know into a product people will pay for.
You can publish information in many formats:
- PDF ebooks
- Audio or video tutorials
- Online courses
- Webinars or live sessions
- Coaching programs
Popular topics include health, parenting, personal finance, relationships, productivity, spirituality, and more.
Why It Works
People are always searching for information that helps them solve a problem or improve their lives. If you can offer clear, practical guidance on a topic — even from your own experience — you can create value.
This model has produced authors, coaches, and digital course creators who now earn a full-time income helping others. If you enjoy teaching or writing, this might be your lane.
4. E-commerce and Dropshipping
E-commerce is the business of selling physical products online. It’s a big industry — and it keeps growing.
You can import products from platforms like AliExpress or Alibaba, and sell them through a website or online store.
Or you can try dropshipping, where you sell without holding inventory. When a customer buys, the supplier ships the product directly to them.
What You Need:
- A product that solves a real problem
- A reliable supplier
- A marketing system (ads, influencers, content, or SEO)
This model does require startup capital and research, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Some sellers turn e-commerce into full-time brands.
So, What’s Best for You?
Each model has its strengths. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Start freelancing if you have a skill and want to earn fast.
- Try affiliate marketing if you want low overhead and love recommending things.
- Explore Info Publishing if you enjoy writing, teaching, or creating.
- Get into e-commerce if you want to sell physical products or start your brand.
And if you’re like me, you might eventually combine two or more of these paths.
What About Blogging?
You might wonder why I haven’t listed blogging as a way to earn.
Here’s the honest truth: blogging is a long game. It’s slow at the beginning and requires patience, consistency, and a strategy. Most people quit before seeing results.
That said, once it grows, a blog can become an incredible business platform — especially when combined with affiliate marketing, info publishing, and consulting.
If you love writing and storytelling, blogging is still powerful. But don’t expect it to generate fast income in the beginning.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Do It Alone
Whatever path you choose, remember this: you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Some people’ve already walked the road you’re trying to take. Learn from them. Ask questions. Join communities. Invest in your knowledge. Stay consistent.
If you want a place to start, I recommend Digital Boss Academy. It’s where I began to understand the digital business world, and it might just be the starting point you’ve been looking for.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions, need direction, or want help choosing a path. I’m here to help you grow, just like someone once helped me.
