It’s been said that the Internet is the gold rush of our time. But unlike gold mining, the process of making a buck online  isn’t very obvious. With hundreds, maybe even thousands of get rich quick schemes and online programs hyped to consumers looking to make money. The question is which ones are legitimate and which ones are not. It’s not always easy to spot the scams, so the best way is to forgo the third-party and venture out on your own. Here are some ways:

Taking Online Surveys

Some of the largest international corporations hire survey companies to help determine what consumers want. This is where the Internet has opened up vast market research opportunities. Paying consumers to take surveys is a quick, easy and cheap way to get the feedback they need. The money they put out is worth it, especially if they can avoid the more costly mistake of producing a flop.

While it may be true that you won’t make fat cash fast by taking part in surveys, it is a legitimate way to earn prizes, merchandise and cash. As a supplemental income that requires little time and effort, many people find online surveys a rewarding experience. The more survey companies that you participate with will increase your odds of redeeming big rewards. Some of the top sites give points that can be redeemed and entries into drawings for bigger prizes. The cool part is that you can earn in your spare time – a few minutes or hours.

Selling Stuff on eBay

One of the more lucrative ways to earn money online is by selling – either your own stuff or items from another source. Depending on the types of things you market, you can actually make enough to support yourself. Whether you’re selling antiques, used books, a new product or whatever, you’ll need to keep your stock up so that you can continue to post new items for bigger earnings. Many people start the process by opening a free account and selling personal items that they no longer need as a way to learn the basics of selling.

Developing a Website

You are limited only by your imagination when it comes to earning money on your own website. And it’s never been easier with the many pre-designed options and site building tools available. One easy way for many people is through affiliate marketing. Sell products or services for one of hundreds of affiliate programs. Chose the product type you’d like to sell and design your webpage around that theme.

With some imagination, planning and patience, you can be one of the people who make money online. While today’s marketplace is more competitive, there is plenty of opportunity for anyone with an entrepreneurial inclination to be successful as an online marketer.

Noreen Ruth is a popular writer for financial blogs and websites. Hoping to educate consumers, she uses government and other reputable sources to provide up-to-date, relevant news on (banking, low APR credit cards, debt relief, payday loans, etc.). She stays current on the latest legislative actions that may affect a consumer’s ability to manage debt, utilize debt reduction services, understand credit applications, apply for credit card, apply for loans and much more.