I cannot believe that this December, it will be 2 years since I started blogging. It’s been quite a journey thus far – a successful 2 years. When I started my blog, I knew nothing about the “blogging industry” in South Africa and I did not realize that you could earn money from a blog.
Yes, I do earn money from this blog that helps me pay bills and maintains the cost of this site. My blog is my online diary which helps me stay sane, but it has slowly turned into an income – a fact that I am not complaining about.
There are so many business opportunities that require only the internet and a laptop – opportunities like blogging. Unfortunately, I cannot talk about them all today but I want to highlight a few in order to give you an idea on how simple it is.
I planned on being a stay at home mom even before my daughter was born. I wanted a job that could accommodate my lifestyle. I did not plan on making blogging my full-time job and I still don’t plan on doing that. Blogging is just one of many things that I plan on doing but in every job that I do, I know that I need my laptop.
So the big question is: how you can earn money from just having a laptop?
Firstly it is important that you research laptops and invest in a good one. And you will need the internet 😉 which I’m assuming you already have. 😛
Tip: If you already have a laptop, make sure it is compatible with the type of business that you want to do.
Example: If you are planning on using Photoshop, you would need a laptop that is fast and one with good memory otherwise you will get very frustrated.
If you don’t have a big budget to buy one brand new then try searching for a good second-hand one.
Gumtree has been a lifesaver for me this year and once again they introduced a tool which will help many in the business sector.
Using Laptop Checker – you can find out how much your current laptop is worth, what you should charge if you plan on selling it and you can also purchase a good second-hand one without getting overcharged.
The checker draws real-time information to determine what sellers are asking for and will even let you know how many laptops from that brand is available for sale on the website.
Once you have purchased a good laptop, sit down and brainstorm. Think about how you can use your creativity to earn. After all a job should not be a job – it should be your passion. Do a SWOT analysis – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
1. Graphic Design
This type of business is in demand because every company needs a logo, personalized stationery, and even bloggers need assistance with design.
2. Social Media Manager
If you love chatting on social media and you are good with marketing, then this is really perfect for you.
3. Freelance writing
Love expressing yourself? Why not start a blog or do freelance writing for companies and magazines?
4. Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office. Source: Wikipedia.
5. Sell your creative Crafts & Products on websites like Etsy.
Most moms prefer starting online stores – some even sell ONLY on social media like Facebook and have become very successful in doing this.
Once you have decided on a starting point, I suggest that you research your “chosen” business and learn about what exactly is needed to start. If you plan on starting an online store, chat to moms and find out what they would like to see in the store and what is their budget for products like the ones that you are offering.
If I can work from my laptop, so can you. 😉 These are just some ideas that can turn your talent and your passion into an additional income.
For me: Gumtree’s Laptop checker is a tool created to help you start or improve your online business using a laptop. It’s designed to help you discover the entrepreneur within.
Choosing a laptop can be overwhelming, it’s important you get the correct information and appropriate research before purchasing it. Everyone wants to save, and this tool is created to help you do just that.
Let Gumtree help you choose – effectively.
13 comments
Yup. these are jobs that you can run from a laptop. This is the first time I heard about the Gumtree’s Laptop checker. I will look more into this.
There are jobs that can be done with just a laptop and a lot of dedication. I have heard of people making it big using a computer in the comforts of home.
These are all great ideas. I have a friend who sells all kinds of stuff on Etsy. She’s a knitting machine.
Great ideas, I do a few of these myself, I also used to be a Virtual Assistant.
Love being a Virtual Assistant. Great way to supplement my income.
I could really use a new laptop. But I really enjoy working from home. I can supplement our income and still be home for our kids.
I have been blogging for 3+ years. I love the flexibility and income that it has brought my way. I use a chromebook and love it.
I need a new laptop, mine crashed last week. I wish I had time to do some research!
I am amazed every day that I actually make money from my blog. lol. Great ideas!
I prefer a traditional desk top but I love my Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet when I need to maintain my blog while traveling!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
I think it would be fun to be a social media manager. I do enjoy interacting on such platforms.
A laptop is actually on my wish list this year and I specifically wanted a certain brand. I do hope and pray that Santa will give it to me this Christmas. 😉
I was hooked the moment I read the title of your post. It was an added treat to find out about Gumtree showing exactly what my laptop is selling for this very minute.