Making Money Online: The Truth No One Wants to Talk About
Let’s cut through the noise for a second.
Everywhere you scroll, someone’s promising “financial freedom,” “passive income,” and “money while you sleep.” What they don’t tell you is how long it actually takes to build the systems that make those things real.
You can make money online — I am. But it’s not instant, and it’s definitely not effortless. It’s a mix of trial, error, late nights, and a lot of learning things you didn’t even know existed.
Here’s the truth about each path I’ve walked so far: what’s working, what’s still in progress, and what nobody tells you about building something that lasts.
🖋️ 1. Building My Blog: The Long Game That Actually Pays Off
I started RainwaterKreative because I wanted something more honest than the typical “how to get rich blogging” narrative floating around the internet. They make it sound like you’ll be sipping matcha while your ad revenue rolls in by month three.
Reality check: it takes time. A lot of time.
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Learning SEO takes weeks of testing, updating, and rewriting headlines until they click.
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Designing lead magnets and freebies can eat up entire weekends.
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Writing posts that actually rank takes months of consistent effort.
And here’s the hardest part: you don’t see results right away. You’re planting seeds — every post, every keyword, every backlink — and waiting for them to grow.
It’s slow. But when that first click or payout comes through, it’s proof that the groundwork mattered.
If you’re serious about blogging for income, focus on quality content, strong keywords, and authentic storytelling. Readers can feel when it’s real.
☕ 2. Print-on-Demand: Passive-ish Income (Emphasis on the “ish”)
Print-on-demand is one of the most creative ways to make money online — it lets you turn your ideas into physical products without ever touching inventory. You design once, and platforms like Etsy or Printify handle the printing, packing, and shipping.
It sounds simple, and in theory it is. But what no one tells you is how much experimenting it takes to figure out what actually sells.
My first few designs? Crickets.
Then one day, one sale — and that spark reminded me it was possible.
Behind the scenes, it’s all testing and tweaking:
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Which quotes or graphics connect with your audience?
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What colors and fonts photograph best?
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How do you write product titles that feel natural and SEO-friendly?
Tools like Canva make this process so much easier. You don’t need a design degree or fancy software — just creativity and a willingness to learn. I use Canva to create everything from mug and journal designs to Pinterest mockups and lifestyle photos for my listings. The more you play with it, the more you start to see what fits your aesthetic and what stands out to your customers.
And once you find that rhythm, it’s magic. Each new listing feels like a creative expression and a potential stream of income.
But even here, it’s not “set it and forget it.” You’ll still need to market your products through Pinterest, Instagram, and your blog to build momentum. Print-on-demand isn’t a get-rich-quick setup, it’s a learning curve that rewards consistency and creativity.
💡 3. Affiliate Marketing & Product Testing: The Trust Game
Affiliate marketing can be powerful, but only if you’re genuine. You can’t just throw links out and expect income. People need to trust your recommendations.
That means promoting only what you truly use or love — whether that’s a guided journal, magnesium spray, or the camera I’m still learning to master.
It’s a slow build. You’ll see clicks before you see commissions, but every piece of content teaches you what resonates with your audience.
One of the best places to start is the Amazon Associates Program. It’s simple to set up and gives you access to millions of products — everything from self-development books and home office gear to wellness essentials. It’s also an easy way to learn how affiliate links actually work: how to disclose them properly, track your traffic, and write content that feels helpful rather than salesy.
Platforms like BzzAgent are also great for beginners. You won’t earn cash from campaigns, but you’ll receive products to test in exchange for honest feedback. It’s a low-pressure way to build credibility, learn how to create authentic review content, and start understanding what resonates with your audience before you ever start selling or linking products.
Affiliate income isn’t fast money, but it’s smart money. It grows as your audience grows — and that’s the kind of income that lasts.
💸 4. Reselling: The Fastest Way I Started Making Real Money
Let’s talk about the one thing that actually brought in money the quickest — reselling.
When I launched my resale brand, RainwateRevival, I had no idea it would become the most tangible way to make money online. Over time, I’ve sold 600+ items across platforms, learned more than I ever expected about pricing psychology, and built a system that works; but only because I stayed consistent.
If you want to see cash flow quickly, this is it. When you find high-demand pieces and list them competitively against similar items, you can make sales within days — sometimes hours. It’s the first real glimpse of hope, proof that you can make money online when you understand demand, presentation, and pricing.
But for consistent, sustainable income, you need systems:
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Inventory tracking: Know what’s listed, sold, and ready to ship.
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Volume: Around 250 active listings is the sweet spot to start seeing daily sales.
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Research: Study sold listings, identify trends, and price smartly.
Reselling isn’t just side income, it’s real business training. You learn supply and demand, customer service, time management, and branding in a hands-on way. Every sale is data, and every buyer interaction teaches you how to refine your process.
🛍️ Poshmark vs. Depop vs. eBay: Which Is Right for You
Each platform has its own vibe, audience, and strengths. Knowing the difference helps you work smarter, not harder.
Poshmark has a large, slightly older audience. It’s great for modern staples, lifestyle pieces, and mid-range brands. Think everyday wear, clean photos, and a polished presentation.
Depop is Gen Z’s playground — creative, aesthetic-driven, and perfect for vintage or one-of-a-kind finds. It thrives on personality, trend awareness, and authenticity.
eBay is the most versatile and broad-reaching. It’s ideal for everything from trendy fashion to collectibles and hard-to-find pieces. eBay’s search-driven audience means your listings reach buyers actively looking for specific items, and the built-in global visibility can scale your reach fast.
If you’re just getting started, Poshmark and Depop are the easiest to learn and most community-oriented. Once you find your rhythm, expanding to eBay can help you tap into a wider market.
No matter where you sell, the formula is the same — clear photos, honest descriptions, and consistency
⚡ Quick Reselling Tips
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Start with what you already own — it’s free inventory.
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List consistently to stay visible in search.
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Photograph in natural light for clarity and trust.
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Add details like measurements, material, and condition.
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Cross-list between Poshmark and Depop to double your exposure.
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Keep learning and adjusting based on what sells.
If you’re curious about how to actually find profitable items and start flipping fashion for fast results, check out my post Flipping Fashion: Reselling Trendy Pieces That Actually Sell.
🌙 Final Thoughts
Making money online isn’t about luck or shortcuts. It’s about creativity, consistency, and patience.
I’m still learning every single day. The income is trickling in, not flooding, but it’s real. And every dollar earned feels different when it’s built from your own effort and curiosity.
If you’re here for a quick win, you might be disappointed. But if you’re here to build something honest, sustainable, and entirely your own — you’re exactly where you need to be.
Because when everything online feels fake, something honest becomes magnetic.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and use. Thank you for supporting RainwaterKreative.
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