People say the internet is a magic wonder.
It can help fulfill your dreams, and you can find tons of creative ways to generate income or sell products online, such as through making money with SEO.
The truth is that: in today’s world, some offline businesses are better suited to work from home, allowing laptop lifestyles for entrepreneurs.
Therefore, the path to generating a significant amount of side income online Malaysia has become much more apparent and plausible.
What is the best possible way to make money fast PLUS in the comfort of your home? (Low-income data entry and proofreading jobs excluded!)
Keep reading for 19 proven ways to make money online in Malaysia, along with how to make money in Malaysia by simply working from home!
19 Different Ways To Make Extra Income Online Malaysia: Proven Ways To Earn Money Online
1. Freelancer
Freelancing is one of the most straightforward and familiar concepts of entrepreneurship – the freelancer provides a service, and the client pays a fee to them.
It is a type of work in which one works on a contract basis for various companies and organizations. Some freelancers may only work on a single project or task, while others may work on many projects simultaneously.
As a freelancer, it can be said that you are your own boss. With the nature of flexibility that comes with the job, you can choose the hours you want to work, who you want to work with, and what type of services you’re willing to provide.
Freelancers do not rely on a fixed salary as they bill their clients accordingly based on the service provided – which is to say that you will have total control of your earnings!
| Pros | Cons |
| You get to work with diverse types of projects and potential clients | You have to continue looking for clients as contracts are often temporary |
| You get to manage and control your working schedule | You receive no employee benefits and coverage such as EPF, SOCSO, etc. |
| Vast opportunity to increase income |
Pro Tip: There are an infinite number of freelance jobs available to anyone who wants to work for themselves.
For instance, freelancers can work in a variety of different fields including writing articles for your own website, teaching classes on various topics, or even doing research on behalf of someone else.
2. Blogger and Guest Blogger
Some bloggers generate stable income by writing content on their website, while others search for sponsors and advertisers to provide writing services for promotional content as freelance writers.
On the other hand, a small portion of bloggers write for another company’s blog and receive payment for each post published – this is often referred to as guest blogging.
Guest blogging helps companies attract traffic to their site, increase brand credibility and social awareness. [1] The blogger will work in the same niche as the company or be an expert on the subjects related to the company.
Related: Branding vs Marketing: The Difference Between Branding And Marketing
When utilized efficiently, it is a remarkable tool that magnifies the site’s reputation and credibility. By offering more informative posts, the site can reach many more audiences that can potentially turn to subscribers and convert to more sales.
| Pros | Cons |
| Your insights could be helpful for others | A personal blog requires regular updates |
| Blogging outreach can yield good results | Unexpected technical issues can cause downtime |
| Personal blogs or websites are not too technical or tricky to set up |
Pro Tip: The critical step to success as a blogger or guest blogger is to set achievable and measurable goals.
These goals should be relevant to your business model by aiming to increase search visibility and traffic thus resulting in you reaching more clients or improving overall blog performance.
3. Online Paid Surveys Respondent
Another easy way to make money online in Malaysia is to do online surveys.
You don’t necessarily need to be an expert, as all you need is to share your honest input and earn extra money from it.
There are many paid online survey sites in Malaysia, and most of them are reputable.
Different companies need honest points of view about their products and services to know what they can improve on.
Largely due to the fact that not everyone who uses the product or service has the time to review the product, conducting product surveys help a business understand their consumer’s needs and concerns.
Feedback and insights from consumers are valuable to the company’s product development. A good thing about it is that you can earn from RM5 to RM70 per survey, and even more than that if you consistently keep up the effort.
Some online surveys you can try are Light Speed Research, MOBROG, and Swagbucks.
| Pros | Cons |
| You don’t need any experience to answer web-based surveys | You won’t be paid instantly |
| It’s time-flexible | Some surveys take a longer time to complete and compensate very little |
| You can sign up with various survey sites |
Pro Tip: Never pay to use any online survey site. If you’re asked to pay upfront to use the site, go to other survey sites that are free to use.
4. Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing is a form of internet marketing that involves earning a passive income in Malaysia by promoting other people’s (or company’s) products.
It’s a great way to make some pocket money, and it’s a popular form of internet marketing in Malaysia!
As an affiliate marketer, you’re in control of how much time and effort you put into your online business. There are a few different ways to earn money through affiliate marketing, some of which are through blogs, YouTube videos, and social media posts.
How much you earn depends on the niche you select and the strategy you use. Not only do affiliate conditions differ in some aspects, but it’s also unlikely you’ll receive the same commission rate for each affiliate program you sign up for.
Generally, it will take at least six months to several years to earn extra income online Malaysia through affiliate marketing. It all depends on your ability to write SEO content, optimize SEO, and drive more traffic to your site.
Further reading: How to Drive Traffic to Your Website
| Pros | Cons |
| Offer convenience and flexibility | It’s a competitive industry |
| Ready-made audience | It can be hard to sustain a customer base |
| Require minimal cost to start making money online |
Pro Tip: To prevent spending thousands of dollars on wasted advertising dollars promoting affiliate networks or programs, use conversion tools to accurately track your ROI.
5. YouTuber
Earning income through YouTube is no longer exclusive to musicians and top influencers. It is the more advanced version of blogs – you do vlogs (video blogs)!
Truth is, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to make more money from their YouTube channels. However, you need to be strategic and consistent in your approach.
To succeed as a YouTuber, there are a few factors that you should weigh in, like what niche you plan on investing in and how far you are willing to devote to the niche you choose.
It’s also extremely important that you understand how to maximize YouTube SEO efforts to monetize your videos. You don’t just produce viral content because you feel like you want to. Viral content must be well-thought-out and exciting to the viewers.
According to Forbes, the estimated rate for every 1000 views with 150 ads is between RM18 to RM20 per 1000 ad views. [2]
YouTubers with at least 1 million views can pull through up to RM1000 to RM10,000 per video.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can explore your hobby and passion | Other YouTubers might plagiarise your work |
| No qualification needed | Takes consistent effort |
| You can create and post videos anywhere |
Pro Tip: Keyword research can help you understand what people are searching for on YouTube. This will help you develop content that matches these searches, which is essential for success if you want to make a living off of this online platform.
6. TikTok Influencer
First thing first, understand that you need to be at least 16 years old to monetize from TikTok, and over 18 to work directly with third parties or brands legally.
TikTok works similarly to other social media platforms. If you’re famous and have a considerable follower base, the chances of brands noticing you are high.
Your huge following matters as brands will tend to approach a particular social media influencer with a big pool of audiences and request to partner up in brand promotions.
You could also consider setting up an e-commerce online store via Shopify to promote and sell your merchandise to your audiences.
You may be interested in: Easystore VS Shopify
| Pros | Cons |
| Exposed to millions of users and opportunities | Pricey ads |
| Provided with the chance to be creative | Advert censorship |
| Bigger social media influencers can consider reaching out or tapping into new markets | Influencer marketing industry is extremely competitive |
Pro Tip: TikTok users are mainly a young audience, so cater your content towards their age and at the same time be universally entertaining and PG!
People love real content that connects with people’s lives. So share your passion and create unique and exciting videos that are not only informative but fun to watch.
As a blooming influencer, implementing TikTok small businesses ideas can be the modern entertainment to help advertise yourself. With today’s economy, it’s wise to convert the marketing opportunity into a fortune.
7. E-commerce Owner
E-commerce is booming with opportunities.
Every day, millions of dollars are made through e-commerce. It is a commercial transaction run and overseen electronically on the internet. In simple terms, e-commerce is all about selling and buying things online.
The experience of creating your e-commerce business can be a daunting experience at first. However, once you’ve learned the ins and outs of the industry, it can be a worthwhile venture.
Related: Guide To Start A Successful E-commerce Business In Malaysia
When your e-commerce store has garnered high traffic and revenues are continually growing, it’s only a matter of time that you’ll earn constant income.
As long as you are consistent in managing and running your e-commerce business, you should be able to earn a bountiful amount. Of course, the amount of traffic you will need for your e-commerce to grow depends on your marketing strategies.
| Pros | Cons |
| E-commerce lets your business scale up easier than a physical store | There’s a myriad of regulations and taxes that come with running an e-commerce store |
| You save money on overhead cost | You might have to deal with scammers and fraud credit card issues |
| It’s so much easier to connect with your customers |
Pro Tip: Test and measure your marketing materials or campaigns as it’ll help your e-commerce store grow.
8. Instagram Influencer
With influencer marketing becoming more popular, more companies are spending money on social media and influencer marketing.
Instagram influencers can earn money online through sponsored posts (in the form of an affiliate link), advertisements, affiliate marketing, or selling physical products.
To be successful as an Instagram influencer requires effort and time to reach a level where you actually influence your followers. The first thing you need to do, apart from having a social media account, is to identify a niche that suits your personality and passion.
You may be interested in: Instagram Reels VS TikTok: Which is The Better Content Marketing Tool?
Influencers charge high amounts of fees if they have a vast follower base and engaged audiences.
It has been reported that influencers can charge between RM300 to RM3000 for each promotional content. This is one reason why more people have chosen Instagram as a medium on how to make money online in Malaysia without investment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Opportunity to collaborate with different brands and companies | You’ll face haters and internet bullies |
| Convert your passion into a profession with zero investment | You need consistent commitment |
| Receive freebies and invites to events |
Pro Tip: You can establish genuine connections with your followers when you interact with them by responding to their comments and questions.
9. Online Coach/ Online Tutor
Online coaching, also referred to as virtual coaching or online tutoring, amongst other names, is not a new profession.
Similar to face-to-face coaching, online coaching is a developmental association between client and practitioner. The goal is to provide support and guidance to help the client achieve their purposes.
A one-on-one communication will take place remotely using a variety of methods including video coaching software, emails, messaging, and video calls.
Besides patience and stamina, you need a proper channel where your potential client can contact you. Create an excellent website to introduce who you are and what you’re offering. Plan an appropriate payment system and tools for communication.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can decide who will be your client | Your student might take up more of your time than you can imagine |
| Turn your passion into a profession | Not suitable for people who have little or no self-motivation |
| You can set your own fees |
Pro Tip: Getting a new client is not enough. You need to care for the existing clients with great care and attention and ensure that they have a great experience with you.
10. Website Developer
To become a web developer, you should know HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. It’s also essential that you understand the fundamentals of the CSS framework.
Understanding these elements gives you a solid foundation for communicating with the programming languages.
Whether you’re browsing social media, reading the news on the net, paying bills online, or interacting with your peers using meeting software – you’re relying on technology all the time.
So if you can create and maintain a site, software, or app, it is pretty much guaranteed that you’ll have an essential role in today’s digitalized world.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics research, the web developers’ profession has proliferated much faster than any other profession in recent years. [3] Also, the impact of Covid-19 on the tech industry – and web developers is minimal compared to other sectors.
So although the future of the world is unseen, it seems that web developers can sit back and enjoy programming code as the job won’t be out of demand any time soon!
| Pros | Cons |
| Endless chance to be creative | Long working hours |
| The scope is flexible and amazing | Code structure keeps evolving |
| Pay is good |
Pro Tip: Consult and learn more about the leading Website Development & Web Design Service Malaysia if you need any professional web design and development services.
11. SEO Specialist
Generating extra cash with SEO is one great way to make money online – especially if you have the means, knowledge, and experience in SEO.
SEO is indispensable and crucial in digital marketing, and it doesn’t matter how engaging and quality your content is. To put it simply, without SEO, your site won’t be ranked on any search engines such as Google.
Based on Google Search Central, SEO is all about making small changes to parts of your site, and when viewed individually, these alterations might result in improvement and enhancement. [4]
There are two ways to make money with SEO:
- Offer your SEO services to help other businesses
- Create a website with traction to generate ads or referral profit
It would be a bonus if you could publish high-quality content or design digital art for a site. You can also offer SEO services in various industries like e-commerce, social media influencer marketing, and mobile apps.
| Pros | Cons |
| SEO has a high demand | You need to keep up with the constant changes of SEO |
| It’s a good pay profession | Results may take time, and some clients won’t accept that as an excuse |
| You get to work with various types of clientele |
Pro Tip: SEO managers need to have strong analytical skills as they must analyze, track, and report on critical KPIs and success metrics using data entry and analysis to improve organic traffic.
12. Graphic Designer
If you’re a designer or you’re planning to be one, you’re in luck! There are more ways of making money online as a designer than working in an office or a firm.
You can create high-quality templates and sell them on freelance marketplaces like Creative Market and GrapicRiver.
Sign up on Udemy and create your own course on graphic design. Many graphic designers manage to generate tens of thousands by selling online courses.
Better yet, if you’re an expert on the niche, create a blog or a Youtube channel to share your expertise with others. You can even join any design and templates affiliate programs and earn from them! How cool is that?
| Pros | Cons |
| High earning potential | Manage your own accounting and expenses |
| Flexible working hours | You have to chase the client for payment yourself |
| Choose who you want to work with |
Pro Tip: You can also earn money online in Malaysia as a graphic or any type of designer by signing up on freelancer online platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
13. Online Photographer
If owning a camera and taking beautiful pictures is your thing, you can turn it into an online photography service. But before that, apart from the obvious video editing experience, there are a few things that you need to consider:
Are you more of an outdoors photographer who loves to capture nature and sell to magazines or take product pictures for the company?
A professional photographer will have their professional set of cameras and accessories ready. Plus, you’ll need to have quality equipment, video editing software for editing, proper lights, screen, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
| Enjoy meeting new people and attending events | Income can be inconsistent |
| Working time is flexible | Expensive tools and equipment |
| Make money online while enjoying your passion |
Pro Tip: Introduce your business on your social media accounts or create a website to promote your online photography services.
You can also sell your photos as stock photos on the stock market. For example, Shutterstock contributors can earn up to RM3 for every picture downloaded.
14. App Developer
If you have an amazing mobile app idea and decide to turn to a development company to develop it (because you’re busy), you’ll be surprised how much they will charge you.
Times like this are when you think to yourself: I might as well do it myself!
The thing is, do you have any idea how to start a career as an app developer? Here’s what you need to know:
If you want to be a mobile app developer, you need to learn to code. And there are tons of online courses you check out to learn how, for example, the Code Academy.
App builders are perfect for entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to earn extra cash building apps for other businesses.
| Pros | Cons |
| You’ll have the freedom to choose what type of project you desire | You need self-motivation |
| Ongoing learning | You need to purchase the software all by yourself |
| Potential to earn more compared to working in a company |
Pro Tip: When you can add custom features for your clients, you will earn more profit.
15. Writer (Copy, Content, Ghostwriters)
A degree is not essential in your path to becoming a content writer, but it can sure come in handy in many situations.
There are also many writing courses online that you can benefit from on how to become an online writer. You can also create a blog or use platforms like LinkedIn to practice your writing skills.
Creating your own blog or guest posting is one way to begin your SEO content writing journey. In the way of doing so, you get to create and fill out your online portfolio with wonderful writing samples.
Online typing job daily payment Malaysia is also another great and easy way to make online money from writing. The job itself consists of typing content on the internet and receiving your pay based on how many words you type.
Many companies do offer freelance copywriting or content writing jobs, ranging from big corporations to small startups. Sign up on multiple platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and WriterAccess to get more freelance writing projects if a full-time job is not your thing.
Read also: Copywriting Malaysia
| Pros | Cons |
| Improve your knowledge as you have to do a lot of research | Facing difficult and unrealistic client |
| Flexible working hours | No credit when credit is due |
| Earn by projects | Highly depending on a good internet connection |
Pro Tip: To receive sufficient payment for your writing job (be it a side job or a full-time job), it is best that you cold email companies rather than stick to only working by projects on freelancer marketplaces. If you manage to grow big enough in the industry, this side job can earn more than a full-time job!
16. Ads Manager
Ads managers have exciting and creative jobs as they are in charge of planning and executing advertising campaigns for brands and companies. Oftentimes, their main objective is to encourage interest in products or services.
Usually, ads managers work with many business owners, marketers, and sales agents. By working together with these people, ads managers create and launch a campaign.
Services may include acting as the middle person between clients and digital marketing Malaysia agencies.
| Pros | Cons |
| You get to work with different people from various backgrounds | High workload |
| Interesting income | Permanent pressure to stay analytical |
| Flexible working hours |
Pro Tip: Many brick-and-mortar businesses are available on extensive networks like Facebook page and LinkedIn. Approach them with your impressive portfolio consisting of past successful YouTube ads, Google ads, Instagram ads, or Facebook ads – and you might close a deal.
Otherwise, you can consider working as a part of a Search Engine Marketing agency in helping formulate design ideas for ad campaigns and manage the advertising team.
17. Translator
Being successful as an online translator relies on many factors.
Primarily, the language combination a translator chooses to work with can determine how many demands are available for translation jobs.
To be a translator, you need both passion and perseverance. You should be willing to join an online course to improve your networking and language mastery. However, you need to understand your client’s needs and be able to deliver their goals.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can manage your own working hours | Unstable income |
| Steadily increasing in demand | Competitive industry |
| Knowing multiple languages will open more doors for you |
Pro Tip: To stay successful in an online translation job, you need to be detail-oriented and have a passion for languages.
18. Social Media Manager
A social media manager is an individual trusted to manage, filter, and plan the social media platform and activities of a company.
Social media helps create and maintain company promotions, work with the marketing team, and monitor social media analytics. Some social media marketing managers work closely with online marketing agencies to provide top-notch social media management services.
Skills that you need to become a social media manager may include but are not limited to:
- Copywriting
- SEO knowledge
- Project and market research
- Customer service skills
- Social media skills
- Visual and graphic expert
| Pros | Cons |
| Your work might get viral | Generally speaking, it’s an extremely competitive industry |
| You’ll receive real-time feedback for your work | You need to constantly improve your skills and knowledge |
| You can be very creative |
Pro Tip: Consumers always turn to social media for questions; [5] hence social media plays a vital role in ensuring the success of a personal brand.
Read also: The 7 Benefits of Marketing on Social Media Management
19. Online DIY Crafts Seller
If you have a knack for creating beautiful trinkets and crafts, why not consider selling products and start earning money from home?
Buy a proper domain name suitable for your nature of crafting and create a blog that displays all your handy work.
Describe to your potential customers exactly what your craft is all about, how they can buy them from you, and the price you’re selling. You can also sell your product on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
| Pros | Cons |
| You get to turn your passion into income through what could be a part-time job | If you’re selling your product on e-commerce you need to pay a commission fee |
| Freedom to manage your own business however you prefer | You need to compete with retailers |
| Create your own brand with low overhead costs |
Pro Tip: Identify your “Unique Selling Point” (USP) to beat other competitors and retailers.
In Summary
There you have it: how to earn money online! There are plenty of creative ways for you to generate income online in Malaysia and many of which you might’ve already heard of.
Whether you’re an expert in social media or good at designing, working online has as much potential as working in a traditional office setting; not to mention you can also use the Malaysia earn money app to earn extra cash, cashback, and rewards into your bank account!
Working at home in Malaysia offers diverse possibilities and benefits. You get to be close with your family, and at the same time, be your own boss and manage your own time.
Regardless of your career choices, working from home and generating money online requires a lot of discipline and dedication, so make sure to choose the best opportunities suited for your skills, financial situation, and passion!
2 Responses
This is such a well-written and informative post! Great work. Thanks for laying everything out— very helpful! I am trying to make money from Fiverr.
The author provids such dedicating information. Got inspired through reading the article. Well written and thanks!