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Want to learn how to make money through online gigs? Well, what are your options.

There's surveys, content sites, freelance job boards, and jobs you apply through more traditional job boards that allow you to telecommute.

Surveys: these generally don't pay well enough to justify the amount of time you take to do the survey and there's a real risk of identity theft.

Content sites: There's Helium, Associated Content, Triond, Leniche, thisisbyus.com. Most pay based on ad revenue so learning how to write content that's search engine optimized can really help you out. Associated Content will pay up front for certain types of articles after a review process. Though content sites will only make a tiny nibble at paying your bills, you can use content sites to advertise your expertise in a particular area.

Freelance job boards: there are many. Stay away from the ones that require you to pay an upfront fee. When you place a bid for a job, remember that most sites require you to pay 10% up front. You will find yourself competing with many individuals outside of the US offering services for negligible amounts. Remember an important rule of marketing: if your only way of distinguishing yourself from others is based on a lower price, it's generally an untenable position. There will always be someone out there willing to provide the service more cheaply. So set yourself apart with quality work, a marketing hook (e.g., a niche area you specialize in) and stick to your guns in the price wars. You may make inroads through freelancing job boards through referrals and repeat customers.

Where more appreciable money comes from: consulting positions that allow you to telecommute. Yes, they take a bit to find. Again, success in finding this type of position comes through marketing yourself and not relying solely on online mechanisms to hook the job. See a full time on-site position that's really tantalizing? Ask if they'll allow you to telecommute. If the position's being advertised, it usually means there's a need while the company's looking for someone and they might be interested in the flexibility of hiring a contractor they don't have to take on permanently.

After all of this, my answer to this question is a qualified, "Yes, you can pay your bills through online gigs," but it takes quite a bit of persistance and is not for the faint of heart.

Learn more about this author, emily zola.
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