The internet is full of money-making opportunities, but many are oversaturated—dropshipping, affiliate marketing, and print-on-demand, for example, have fierce competition. If you're looking for fresh, less competitive ways to earn online, here are six underrated methods with high potential.
While freelancing itself is crowded, using AI tools to enhance your services (like AI-generated content, automated design, or coding assistance) sets you apart. Many businesses want efficiency but don’t know how to leverage AI.
Offer AI-assisted services (e.g., ChatGPT-enhanced copywriting, Midjourney graphic design, or AI-driven video editing).
Market yourself on Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn as an "AI-Enhanced Freelancer."
Traditional virtual assistants (VAs) are common, but specialized VAs (e.g., for AI startups, crypto businesses, or SaaS companies) are in demand.
Learn tools like Notion, Zapier, or AI automation platforms.
Offer services like CRM management, AI tool setup, or automated workflows.
Find clients in Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or cold emailing startups.
Most people create their own digital products (e-books, courses), but buying PLR content, rebranding it, and reselling it is a faster, scalable model.
Purchase PLR content from sites like PLR.me or IDPLR.
Customize and sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.
Focus on niches like self-improvement, business templates, or health guides.
Many local businesses struggle with online visibility but don’t know how to fix it. Offering lead generation (not just SEO or ads) is a direct revenue model.
Build simple lead-gen websites (e.g., "Best Plumbers in [City]").
Rank them on Google using basic SEO.
Sell the leads to local businesses for a recurring fee.
Big SaaS tools dominate, but small, niche-specific tools (e.g., a Shopify plugin for a specific industry) have less competition.
Identify a niche problem (e.g., "Instagram schedulers for real estate agents").
Use no-code tools like Bubble or Softr to build a simple solution.
Market via Reddit, niche forums, or cold outreach.
Social media is crowded, but private, topic-focused communities (Slack, Discord, or Circle.so) offer real value.
Pick a niche (e.g., "AI for Non-Techies" or "Freelance Writers Growth Hub").
Offer exclusive content, networking, or coaching.
Monetize via subscriptions (10–10–50/month).
The key to making money online in 2024 is finding underserved niches and leveraging emerging trends (like AI, micro-SaaS, and hyper-specific communities). Instead of competing in saturated markets, focus on:
✅ Specialization (niche down)
✅ Automation & AI (work smarter)
✅ Recurring Revenue (subscriptions, leads, SaaS)
Which of these methods will you try first? Let me know in the comments!