Digital nomad jobs for beginners: how to start making money online

Are you dreaming of becoming a digital nomad, embracing the remote lifestyle to be location independent? You're not alone!

As more and more individuals seek freedom, flexibility, and adventure in their careers, the allure of working remotely while traveling the globe has never been stronger.

In this article, we're thrilled to guide you through the exciting realm of digital nomad jobs, tailored specifically for beginners. Whether you're craving the thrill of exploring different cultures, yearning for a change of scenery, or simply seeking a more flexible work-life balance, we've got you covered.

Get ready to embark on a journey towards digital nomadism!

18 digital nomad jobs for beginners

1. Give conversational lessons online in your native language

One of the most appealing digital nomad jobs for beginners is offering conversational language lessons online, particularly in English but not limited to it.

Firstly, as a native speaker, you possess a valuable skill that is in high demand worldwide. Many individuals are eager to practice and improve their language skills through conversation with a fluent speaker. This demand ensures a steady stream of potential clients, providing you with a reliable source of income while maintaining the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Secondly, it requires minimal setup and overhead costs. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a computer, a headset and possibly a microphone. This simplicity allows you to start your digital nomad journey without the burden of hefty initial investments or logistical complications.

Additionally, engaging in language exchange with students from diverse backgrounds provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth. As you interact with individuals from around the world, you'll not only help them improve their language skills but also gain insights into different cultures, customs, and perspectives. 

2. Share your skills and knowledge with the world

Talking about online lessons, another effective way to kickstart your online income journey is by leveraging your skills and expertise to offer lessons in your respective field.

Whether you're a yoga instructor, a fitness enthusiast, a math whiz, a number-crunching wizard, a passionate photographer or have expertise in any other area, there's a world of eager learners out there waiting for your guidance.

But here's the secret sauce: it's all about getting noticed in the vast online world. Establishing an online presence is key to reaching potential clients and showcasing your work. Dive into social media, craft a snazzy website, and polish up your LinkedIn profile to let your awesomeness shine! By sharing your know-how with the world, you're not just building a business—you're forging connections, expanding your reach, and turning your passion into a fulfilling online income.

3. Sell digital products

In addition to offering online lessons, creating digital products centered around your area of expertise presents an excellent opportunity for generating passive income online. As we said before, you'll also need an online community for this.

By developing ebooks, digital courses, or other downloadable resources, you can leverage your knowledge and skills to reach a broader audience and provide value in a scalable way. Ebooks offer readers comprehensive guides, while digital courses provide structured learning experiences. These products allow you to package your expertise into accessible and valuable content that can be purchased and consumed by customers around the clock, providing a steady stream of income with minimal ongoing effort. 

Whether it's sharing insider tips, in-depth tutorials, or specialized techniques, digital products enable you to monetize your expertise and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field.

4. Freelance writing/copywriting

A freelance writer, or copywriter, creates written content. I know, it may seem trivial, but in the age of Google, content writers and creators are fundamental. To become a freelance writer, you need to know how to write captivating and engaging texts for the public, and above all you need to have a basic understand of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). In other words, you need to understand the mechanisms that make the texts that you write comprehensible by Google.

Freelance writing is a much more accessible nomad career compared to programming, as copywriting skills are much easier to learn and attain. With a bit of patience and a lot of training, if you write creative, quality, and SEO-friendly content, you can make a name for yourself and find customers who are willing to pay well. 

5. Affiliate marketing

Another avenue to explore for online income is through affiliate marketing. This entails promoting products or services from various companies and earning a commission for each sale or referral made through your unique affiliate link.

Platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Worldpackers offer affiliate programs, allowing you to earn a commission by driving traffic and sales to their websites.

To get started, first, identify the affiliate programs relevant to your niche. Whether you're into fitness, travel, fashion, or any other field, there are likely affiliate programs tailored to your interests. Once you've selected suitable programs, you'll need a platform to share your affiliate links effectively. This could be your own website/blog, social media channels, email newsletters, or any other online platform where you can reach your target audience.

By strategically promoting affiliate products or services that align with your niche and audience interests, you can earn passive income while providing value to your audience. It's a win-win situation where you get compensated for recommending products or services you believe in, and your audience gains access to valuable recommendations and resources. 

6. One-on-one consultancies

Another fantastic digital nomad job for beginners is providing one-on-one consultancies. Here's the scoop: Begin by establishing yourself as an authority in your field through a robust online presence. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, sharing your knowledge, insights, and experiences through blog posts, social media, or a professional website can help you gain credibility and visibility.

Once you've built up your online presence, you'll find that there are plenty of people out there eager to tap into your expertise and receive personalized advice tailored specifically to their needs. Providing one-on-one consultancies allows you to connect with clients on a deeper level and make a real difference in their lives.

The beauty of this digital nomad gig is that you can conduct consultations from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. To know more about this, check out which are the best countries for digital nomads and this article about Digital nomad visa.

7. Dropshipper

Dropshipping is like having your own online store without the hassle of managing inventory.

Here's how it works: Instead of stocking products, you list items for sale on your website or popular platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify. When a customer buys something, you simply order it from a supplier who ships it directly to them. You make money by selling products at a higher price than what you pay the supplier. This means no need to worry about storage space.

It's a fantastic option for budding online entrepreneurs! The aforementioned platforms provide handy tools and services designed specifically for dropshipping businesses, making it even easier to manage your store and fulfill orders hassle-free. 

8. Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) is like your trusty sidekick, helping out remotely with all sorts of tasks from administrative duties to technical support and creative projects. Think email wrangling, schedule juggling, data entry, and even a bit of detective work through research.

It's an ideal digital nomad job for beginners because it offers flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

As a VA, you call the shots, picking clients and projects that match your skills and passions. Just remember, honing your craft through specific training is key. From mastering the latest tools to adopting best practices, ongoing learning ensures you deliver top-notch service and stand out in the competitive VA world.

With the right training and a sprinkle of dedication, the world of virtual assisting becomes your oyster, letting you explore new horizons while earning a living from your laptop.

9. Photographer

Whether you prefer to photograph people, events, landscapes, wildlife, etc., you should have no problem finding gigs wherever you happen to be in the world.

Worldpackers can be a good resource to find gigs for photographers, as there are work exchange opportunities available at businesses who have recently renovated or would just like to spruce up their websites with new, professional quality photos.

You can market yourself as a photographer for destination weddings, hotels, travel agencies, or sell your photos to a variety of magazines or stock images websites, like Shutterstock, iStock, Getty Images and Alamy. You could even teach photography workshops online. The possibilities are endless!

Check out this article about How to become a freelance travel photographer for more insight.

10. Translator

The demand for freelance translators is booming as companies seek assistance in translating a wide array of documents, from legal contracts to rental agreements and beyond.

The beauty of this gig, much like other digital nomad pursuits, is its flexibility—you can tackle translation tasks from virtually anywhere on the globe. Surprisingly, you don't even need a constant Wi-Fi connection! As long as you're connected when downloading and submitting documents for translation, you're set.

And don't think that translation is only limited to English and the most widely spoken languages. Actually, the rarer the language you translate into, the greater the earning potential. 

11. Subtitling and transcriptions

Another excellent opportunity of digital nomad job for beginners is by doing subtitling and transcription work. You could be adding subtitles to movies, documentaries, or even YouTube videos, or transcribing podcasts and audio recordings—no matter where you roam.

Platforms like Vitac, Ai-Media, Aberdeen, 3Play Media, and Vanan Services offer avenues to monetize your skills in subtitling and transcription. These platforms connect you with clients seeking subtitling and transcription services, providing a potential steady stream of work and income.

With the demand for subtitles and transcripts growing across various media formats, this field offers a beginner-friendly path into nomadic lifestyle. Plus, it's a rewarding way to leverage your language and typing skills while exploring the world.

12. Customer service representative

As a customer service representative, your main responsibility is to assist customers with inquiries, complaints, or issues they may have regarding a product or service. This typically involves responding to emails or live chat messages, and providing solutions to customer problems in a friendly and professional manner.

Many companies offer remote customer service positions, allowing you to work as a digital nomad. Additionally, these roles often provide training and support to help you succeed in the position, making it an accessible option for those new to the remote work scene.

As you gain experience and confidence, you can explore other digital nomad opportunities while still enjoying the flexibility and convenience of remote customer service work.

13. Travel Consultant

Travel consultancy offers another exciting path to earning income as a digital nomad.

While exploring diverse destinations, you can specialize in specific areas and become a trusted source of advice for fellow adventurers or even travel agencies focusing on those locales.

The key ingredient? Cultivating an online community and establishing yourself as a go-to expert in your chosen niche. Share your adventures, insights, and top-notch tips through blogs and social media, captivating followers and building credibility along the way.

As your influence grows, opportunities abound—from partnerships with travel companies to personalized consulting gigs for eager explorers seeking your expertise. 

14. Data entry

A data entry specialist is responsible for inputting, updating, and maintaining data within a computer system or database. This can include entering various types of information such as customer details, inventory records, or financial transactions.

For newcomers to the digital nomad scene, data entry offers an inviting entry point. Usually there's no need for fancy qualifications or lengthy training programs; data entry is straightforward and welcoming to beginners.

What's more, countless companies offer remote positions in data entry, granting you the freedom to set your own hours and explore the world while still earning a living. 

15. Proof reader

A proofreader meticulously reviews written content to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. Their goal is to ensure that the text is polished, clear, and error-free before it's published or shared with an audience. 

Proofreading can be an opportunity to make some online earnings. Many individuals and businesses, including authors, bloggers, and companies, seek professional proofreaders to refine their written material.

Freelance platforms and specialized websites connect proofreaders with clients worldwide. By offering your proofreading services online, you can work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.

16. Video editor

Embarking on the journey of a video editing opens doors to a world of online earning opportunities. As the appetite for top-notch video content grows across diverse platforms, the demand for skilled editors is soaring.

To thrive in this dynamic field, it's crucial to dive deep into learning and practice, especially by tinkering with your own videos through trial and error.

In today's social media-driven landscape, businesses, influencers, and content creators are on the lookout for talented video wizards to add that extra sparkle to their content. Whether it's through freelance platforms, online marketplaces, or networking in relevant communities, there's no shortage of avenues to connect with potential clients and land paid gigs.

17. Illustrator

Did you know you can make money online as an illustrator? If you have this beautiful skill, you can find plenty of gigs on freelance sites and offer your art there too.

From book covers and menu illustrations to event invitation cards and custom comics, the world of illustration is incredibly vast, and online opportunities are plentiful.

Later on, we'll explore platforms where you can offer and search for work.

18. Community manager

Who manages all the social networks for companies that need a strong online presence in order to create consistent engagement and build a following?

A community manager (aka social media manager)!

If you're eyeing a career path as a social media manager, you'll need a thorough understanding of the inner workings of social networks and marketing strategies. It helps to have experience managing business pages (such as Facebook Business Manager). Having knowledge in ad creation is a plus.

In your role, you'll wear many hats – from crafting engaging posts to curating visually appealing content and, of course, driving up your client's follower count. Becoming a social media manager serves as an excellent entry point into the realm of digital nomadism, with remote opportunities aplenty, particularly if you can showcase a strong portfolio of past successes (hence is not exactly "for beginners" but a great skill to earn money online).

Working as a social media manager is one of the 9 possible ways to get paid to travel.

How to find digital nomad jobs with no experience

So, diving into the world of online jobs as a beginner is totally doable, but let's keep it real – it's not a quick fix. It's more like a marathon than a sprint, requiring loads of effort, dedication, and patience. Expect to put in some serious hours and hustle to get your foot in the door.

Practice makes perfect, right? That's the name of the game here. Constantly sharpening your skills through training and hands-on experience is absolutely essential for growth.

Adaptability and ingenuity are also crucial. Building a portfolio and establishing an online presence are key steps to showcase your skills to prospective clients (think of LinkedIn, social media channels and a website). While having an online community can be highly beneficial for many digital nomad roles we've discussed, it's not mandatory in every scenario.

At the start, you might find yourself juggling a mix of gigs to make ends meet, and that's okay! It's all about finding your niche and specializing as you gain more experience.

There are many specialized freelance sites were you can find and post online gigs of almost any kind, like Fiverr. We suggest you to visit this site for serious inspiration, you'll discover some incredibly creative ways people are earning money online!

Other resources that can help you find digital nomad jobs, include:

• Freelancer
• Twago
• Servicescape
• Upwork
• PeoplePerHour
• Guru
• Facebook and LinkedIn Business Groups in your specific niche

But don’t stop there. To cast a wider net, consider exploring dedicated remote job boards like Remote Nomad Jobs. These platforms cater specifically to remote work and offer a vast array of opportunities, including work-from-anywhere roles that better align with the digital nomad lifestyle.

And remember, as we said in every article about digital nomadism, this lifestyle isn't about lounging on a beach with a mojito and your laptop; in fact, you might find yourself putting in even more hours than in a traditional office job. However, the payoff is incredible: the chance to explore new places while working on the go!

So, roll up your sleeves, stay persistent, and keep honing those skills – before you know it, you'll be well on your way to carving out your own space in the online job market!

Check out theses essential apps and websites for digital nomads.

Free accommodation for digital nomads

Worldpackers work exchanges programs are a perfect sidekick for digital nomads, as they allow you to exchange a few hours of volunteer work on diverse projects, and in return, you get accommodation sorted! And the best part is that there are thousands of opportunities waiting for you in over 140 countries.

Many of these work exchanges are directly related to digital nomadism, think video making, photography, content writing, web developing or social media management. However, if you're seeking a blend of online work with a deeper connection to nature, consider options like organic farms, holistic centers, or permaculture projects. For those who thrive on social interactions, roles in hostels, hotels, or other public-facing settings may be appealing. And if making a difference in the community is your goal, there are plenty of opportunities in NGOs or schools waiting for you to dive in!

There are even many colivings where you can volunteer. They're not just spaces to stay; they're vibrant hubs perfect for connecting with fellow digital nomads and expanding your network!

Besides accommodation on-site, other perks in retribution for your help might be included, like meals and free activities to join.

Plus, as a member of Worldpackers, you'll also unlock access to the online courses provided by the Worldpackers Academy, all crafted by seasoned digital nomads. Here you'll find a rich variety of content tailored to help you level up your skills across different areas and make a living while traveling, like photography courses, video production, social media management, and more.

Did you like these ideas? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.