Make Money: 25+ Proven Ways

Want to make money but don't know where to start? You're not alone. Millions of people are actively looking for ways to generate extra income - from a side hustle to a fully online business. In this comprehensive guide, we share over 25 proven methods to make money in 2026, with realistic expectations, startup costs, and a comparison table so you can choose the best option for your situation. Whether you're a student looking for extra pocket money, an entrepreneur seeking a new channel, or someone who wants to switch to online work entirely - you'll find inspiration and a concrete plan here.

Making money with e-commerce and online sales

E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing ways to make money in the Netherlands. The Dutch e-commerce market grew by 8% in 2025 to over €38 billion. Below, you'll find the most popular e-commerce methods.

1. Selling on bol.com

Bol.com is the largest online sales platform in the Benelux, with over 13 million active customers. As a seller, you get direct access to this huge customer base without having to build your own webshop. You can start with your own products, wholesale products, or private label items. The startup costs are low: you only pay a commission per sale (averaging 10-15%) and any logistical costs. With tools like Zoloo Product Tracker, you can identify profitable products before investing, and with the Sales Dashboard, you keep track of your sales and margins accurately.

2. Dropshipping

With dropshipping, you sell products without holding any inventory. You place an order with your supplier only after a customer buys from you, and the supplier ships the product directly to the customer. The big advantage is that you don't need startup capital for inventory. The disadvantage is that you're dependent on your supplier for delivery times and product quality. Preferably choose European suppliers for faster delivery, especially if you're selling via bol.com, where strict delivery requirements apply.

3. Print on demand

Print on demand is a creative way to make money. You design products like t-shirts, mugs, posters, or phone cases, and a print partner produces and ships them only after an order is placed. Platforms like Printful and Printify integrate with most webshop systems. The profit margins are between 20-40%, and you can test new designs without financial risk.

4. Starting your own webshop

With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Lightspeed, you can relatively easily set up your own webshop. The advantage over marketplaces is that you have full control over your brand, pricing, and customer data. The disadvantage is that you're responsible for attracting visitors through SEO, ads, or social media. Combine your webshop with selling on bol.com for maximum reach.

5. Selling digital products

Digital products like e-books, templates, presets, software, and online tools have no production or shipping costs. Once created, you can sell them unlimitedly. This makes digital products one of the most scalable ways to make money. Popular platforms include Gumroad, Etsy (for digital downloads), and your own website.

6. Selling handmade products

Are you creative? Platforms like Etsy, Marktplaats, and even bol.com offer a market for handmade and craft products. Think jewelry, candles, soap, knitted items, and personalized gifts. The Dutch market for handmade products is growing steadily, thanks in part to the trend towards sustainable and local buying.

Making money as a freelancer or service provider

Do you have a skill that others are willing to pay for? Freelancing is a flexible way to make money, often with minimal startup costs. Below are the most in-demand freelance services in 2026.

7. Freelance writer or copywriter

Companies constantly need written content: blog posts, website texts, newsletters, product descriptions, and social media posts. As a freelance writer, you can earn between €0.05 and €0.30 per word, depending on your expertise and niche. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.nl can help you get your first clients.

8. Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant, you support entrepreneurs remotely with tasks like email management, calendar planning, customer service, social media management, and administration. Hourly rates vary from €15 to €50, depending on your skills and experience. This is an ideal way to make money if you're organized and enjoy multitasking.

9. Graphic designer

Using tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma, you can design logos, flyers, social media graphics, infographics, and brand identities for clients. Graphic design is one of the best-paid freelance skills, with rates ranging from €30 to €100+ per hour.

10. Web developer or programmer

The demand for web developers and programmers remains enormous. Whether you build websites with WordPress, develop web apps with React, or program backend systems, there's always work. Rates vary from €40 to €150 per hour. You can start by learning for free via platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and The Odin Project.

11. Online coach or consultant

Do you have expertise in a specific area like marketing, nutrition, fitness, finance, or career development? Then you can make money as an online coach or consultant. Via Zoom or Google Meet, you guide clients individually or in groups. Rates range from €50 to €300 per session.

12. Social media manager

Companies are increasingly outsourcing their social media. As a social media manager, you create content, plan posts, manage ad campaigns, and analyze results. The average monthly rate per client is between €300 and €1500, depending on the volume and platforms.

Making money with content creation

Content creation has become a mature industry in 2026. Whether you write, film, podcast, or photograph, there are multiple income streams possible.

13. Starting a YouTube channel

With a YouTube channel, you can earn money through ads (Google AdSense), sponsor deals, affiliate marketing, and merchandise. To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program, you need at least 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours. Dutch YouTubers earn an average of €1 to €5 per 1000 views from ads, but top channels generate significantly more through sponsorships.

14. Blogging

A blog can generate income in multiple ways: ads, affiliate links, sponsored articles, and selling your own products or services. It takes an average of 6-12 months for a blog to generate substantial income, but it's an excellent long-term investment. Focus on a specific niche and consistently publish valuable content.

15. Starting a podcast

Podcasting is growing explosively in the Netherlands. Revenue models include sponsorships, listener donations (via Patreon), premium content, and live events. Startup costs are low: a good microphone (€50-150) and free software like Audacity are sufficient. Building an audience requires consistency and patience.

16. Creating online courses

If you have expertise in a particular area, you can create an online course and sell it through platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or your own website. The key to success is choosing a topic that's in demand and presenting it in a structured, engaging way. Course prices vary from €19 to €997+, depending on the topic and depth.

17. Affiliate marketing

With affiliate marketing, you promote other people's products or services and earn a commission per sale or lead. You can do this through your blog, YouTube channel, social media, or email list. Popular affiliate networks in the Netherlands include Daisycon, TradeTracker, and the Amazon Associates program. Commissions range from 2% to 50%, depending on the product and provider.

Comparison table: ways to make money

Making money with passive income

Passive income means earning money without actively working for it. It often requires an initial investment of time or money, but generates ongoing income.

18. Investing in stocks and ETFs

Investing is a proven way to grow your money in the long term. With platforms like DEGIRO, Mexem, and ABN AMRO, you can start investing from €1. ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are popular because they make it easy to diversify your investments. The average annual return of the AEX index over the past 20 years is around 8%. Be aware of the risks: investing can also result in losses.

19. Renting out real estate

Real estate investing requires a significant initial capital but can provide a stable monthly income through rental income. In the Netherlands, the average gross rental yield is between 4% and 7%. Alternatively, you can invest through real estate crowdfunding platforms, which allow you to start with as little as €100.

20. Stock photography

If you have a good camera and an eye for detail, you can upload your photos to stock photo websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. Every time someone downloads your photo, you receive a small fee. With a large portfolio, this can grow into a nice passive income stream.

21. App or software development

A successful app or SaaS tool can be a highly scalable source of income. Development takes a lot of time and often money, but once launched, it can generate monthly recurring revenue. Think of productivity tools, niche apps, or browser extensions. Check out the Zoloo Chrome Extensie as an example of a successful tool for online sellers.

Making money with the sharing economy and micro-jobs

Not everyone wants to start a full-fledged business. The sharing economy offers numerous opportunities to earn extra money quickly and flexibly.

22. Become a delivery person

Platforms like Thuisbezorgd, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo are constantly looking for delivery people. You decide when you work and earn an average of €10-15 per hour. It's a low-threshold way to make money quickly, although the earnings aren't enormous.

23. Rent out your stuff

Through platforms like Peerby Go, FatLlama, and MyWheels, you can rent out your belongings: from tools and electronics to your car. It won't cost you anything extra, and you'll earn money with possessions you already have.

24. Fill out surveys and micro-tasks

Websites like Swagbucks, Toluna, and Respondent pay you for filling out surveys, testing websites, or completing small tasks. The earnings are modest (€1-5 per hour), but it's easy work that you can do anywhere.

25. Offer services and handyman work

Platforms like Werkspot, Zoofy, and Fiverr connect handymen with clients. Whether it's painting, gardening, moving help, or administration - there's always demand for handy people. Hourly rates vary from €15 to €60, depending on the type of job.

Tips for making money successfully

Regardless of the method you choose, these tips will help you make money faster and smarter:

Start small and scale up

Start with a method that requires little investment and test if it suits you. If you find it works, invest more time and possibly money to scale up. Many successful entrepreneurs started with a small side hustle that grew into a full-fledged business.

Use data and tools

Whether you sell on bol.com or run your own webshop, data is your best friend. Tools like Zoloo Product Tracker help you find profitable products, the Winstcalculator calculates your margins, and the Keyword Verkenner shows you what customers are searching for. Make decisions based on data, not gut feeling.

Diversify your income sources

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Combine multiple income sources for more stability. For example, sell on bol.com and through your own webshop, or combine freelancing with a passive income stream like affiliate marketing or digital products.

Be patient and consistent

Most ways to make money require a build-up phase. Don't expect to earn hundreds of euros in the first week. Consistency is the key to success: keep learning, optimizing, and pushing forward, even if the results are disappointing at first.

Get your administration in order

If you earn money on the side, you need to report it to the tax authorities. In many cases, you'll need to register with the KvK. Keep track of your income and expenses from day one - this will prevent unpleasant surprises when you file your taxes. Zoloo's Automated Invoicing can help you with this when you sell on bol.com.

Frequently asked questions about making money

How much money can you earn online?

This varies greatly depending on the method and your investment of time and money. Earning money with surveys can bring in €50-100 per month, while successful e-commerce entrepreneurs can earn €5,000-50,000+ per month. Most people start with €200-1,000 per month and scale up as they gain more experience.

What's the easiest way to make money?

Filling out surveys and doing micro-tasks have the lowest barrier to entry, but also the lowest earnings. For a serious income, selling on bol.com, freelancing, or selling digital products are the most accessible options with good earning potential.

Do I need a KvK registration to make money?

If you earn money regularly with a business-like activity (more than a hobby), you need to register with the Chamber of Commerce. This costs a one-time fee of €75.09. When selling on bol.com, you also need to be registered with the KvK for at least 10 weeks before you can open your sales account. Read more in our guide to getting started with selling on bol.com.

Can I make money on the side of my full-time job?

Absolutely. Many of the methods mentioned can be combined with a full-time job. Freelancing, e-commerce, content creation, and building passive income are all well-suited to doing on the side. Plan fixed hours per week and build up gradually.

What's the fastest way to make money?

The fastest ways to make money are offering services (freelancing, virtual assistance, odd jobs) and selling products you already have. When selling on bol.com, you can realize your first sale within 2-4 weeks. With freelancing, you can sometimes land your first paid assignment within a week.