What to Sell on the Internet to Make Money in 2026: 50 Proven Strategies

The search for extra income has never been more accessible. With the expansion of remote work and increasing digitalization, making money online is no longer an exception but a necessity for millions of Brazilians. Whether to supplement your salary, escape unemployment, or build a scalable business, the opportunities are varied — and many require little or no initial investment.

This practical guide gathers 50 real strategies for what to sell online and how to make money, organized by business model and potential return.

Digital Models with Lower Investment (Start Today)

Monetization through content and opinion

Answering online surveys is the simplest entry point. Specialized platforms pay for genuine consumer reviews, with quick withdrawals via Pix or PayPal. Alongside this, creating and selling digital products — from e-books to online courses — offers real scalability. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; just solve specific problems with clear didactics.

Skills-based services

Freelancing remains one of the most flexible options. Writing, video editing, translation, programming, and graphic design are constantly in demand on platforms like Workana and 99Freelas. For those with an online presence, affiliate marketing works well: you promote other people’s products and earn commissions on sales generated through your link.

Social media management and copywriting are increasingly sought-after services by small businesses. Virtual assistants are also in high demand — scheduling, email support, and remote assistance are tasks many entrepreneurs outsource.

High Potential with Gradual Building

Channels with exponential growth

YouTube continues to be the platform with the greatest revenue potential. Monetization comes from ads, brand partnerships, affiliate links, and selling your own products. Consistency is essential, but the earnings justify the effort.

Amateur photographers can sell images on international stock photo sites (Shutterstock, iStock). Illustrators and designers find profitable niches in creating custom art, from e-book covers to complete visual identities.

Knowledge as a product

Private lessons, specialized consulting, and coaching in specific niches remain profitable. The key is segmentation: instead of “general marketing,” offer “marketing for small retail businesses.” Personal trainers, dance instructors, and mentors in technical areas (like CAD and game development) charge premium prices.

Proven Sales Strategies

E-commerce offers multiple pathways. Reselling products through established brands (like Natura and Avon) combines structured support with flexibility. Creating a niche online store converts better than offering everything generically.

Dropshipping eliminates the need for stock — you sell and outsource delivery. Platforms like Mercado Livre serve as excellent “schools” to validate ideas and learn e-commerce dynamics. Physical businesses also thrive: customized confections, fitness foods, crafts, and online thrift stores (especially circular fashion) are continuously growing.

Microfranchises offer a hybrid model: lower investment than traditional franchises but with support from a consolidated brand.

Asset Monetization and Personal Network

Tangible assets

Renting part of your home via Airbnb, rooms, garage, or equipment provides passive income. Listing properties for rent (platforms like QuintoAndar pay commissions) connects assets with opportunity.

Growing organic products meet increasing demand for healthy eating. Handmade crafts carry high perceived value, especially during seasonal periods (Easter, Christmas).

Influence and referrals

Even micro-influencers can secure partnerships paying for sponsored content creation. Working as an referral agent — connecting people, services, and opportunities — generates recurring commissions. Remote telemarketing still employs professionals working from home, with salary + commission.

Seasonal and Niche Opportunities

Organizing corporate events and ceremonies, fashion consulting (personal stylist), beauty services (nails, eyelashes, eyebrows, makeup), and pet care (pet-sitting) meet specific, well-paid demands.

Tax return preparation is a highly seasonal service — between February and April, a large volume of work is concentrated, with attractive compensation.

From Extra Money to Wealth: The Next Step

Making money is important, but making that money grow is strategic. After increasing your income, the next step is to learn to invest consciously. Diversify among fixed income, stocks, real estate funds, and ETFs — including accessing global markets.

Investing does not promise quick wealth. It works through discipline, planning, and a long-term vision. Modern platforms allow starting with little and accessing multiple markets as your risk profile evolves.

Practical summary: Choose one or two short-term strategies to generate extra income, execute consistently, and reinvest part of the gains into assets that generate passive income. This combination — active income + passive income — builds real financial security.