Retirement Jobs for Seniors: How to Make Money From Home

It’s not uncommon for retirement to sneak up on us before we’re fully prepared. Many people feel compelled to explore retirement jobs for seniors to stretch their savings and maintain their lifestyle.

Is this your predicament?

Finding a local part-time job is certainly an option and a path that many folks choose to follow. But is there a better choice? Would you like to find a path that allows you more time freedom while earning a supplemental income from home?

Working from home is a goal I chose to pursue diligently. And, once I discovered the myriad possibilities inherent in blogging and affiliate marketing, I was completely hooked.

You see, blogging is something that anyone from teenagers to seniors can do. I say this because it doesn’t require technical or specialized skills. And, for me, the best part is that I’m no longer working for an employer. Nor am I trading precious time for money.

Creating my online business has given me the opportunity to enjoy flexibility in my senior years. And, I can experience life on my own terms. That’s not to imply that blogging isn’t work. It’s an activity that requires persistent effort and commitment. However, I’m free to set my own schedule, and I’m not tied to any location.

As long as I have my laptop and an Internet connection, I can work when and where I choose. And, that flexibility fits my lifestyle to a tee.

If working from home without the boss appeals to you too, let me show you how to make that dream your reality!

How to Become a Blogger And Get Paid

Proven methods exist to earn a consistent monthly income online. You can learn these techniques and make the power of the Internet work for YOU.

In simple terms, bloggers write informative, helpful articles for a specific audience and publish their content on the Internet using a website. The website (or blog) is regularly updated with new content called blog posts. By using best blogging practices (more on that in a minute), your quality content will gradually attract the eyes of a targeted readership.

Once you have readers, referred to as blog traffic, there are a variety of ways to monetize your traffic and get paid for your blogging efforts. A few of those ways include advertising, selling your own products, offering services, and promoting the products of others as an affiliate marketer.

My focus today will be on affiliate marketing because I honestly believe it’s the easiest route for both newbie and more seasoned bloggers. I wrote a prior post discussing 6 compelling reasons to become an affiliate marketer in this online era, and I considered all of these factors when I chose affiliate marketing for the blog you’re currently reading.

It’s tough to deny the lucrative nature of a $6 billion industry, right?

Combine the size of the industry with minimal to no barriers to entry, and we have a winning combination!

But, what I really love about my choice is that affiliate marketers connect people with things they’re already searching for online. If we focus on being helpful, revenue will flow naturally, and I find that approach rewarding in its own right.

So, how exactly do you make money with affiliate marketing?

Success may be much closer than you think. Today, I’m going to walk you through both the steps you need to take and what you don’t need. Finally, I’ll connect you with the best platform available in the online space today.

There Are 4 Key Steps to Building a Successful Affiliate Marketing Business

Examine the infographic below for a brief summary of the required steps, and then we’ll expand a bit on the process. If you have remaining questions, I implore you to ask them in the comment section below. I respond to every comment!

How to Become a Blogger and Get Paid

Step 1 – Select the Niche Market That Works for you

A niche is nothing more than a targeted segment of the marketplace with an interest in a specific topic. Tens of thousands of potential niches exist. And, I encourage you to make a selection based on what you are most enthusiastic and passionate about.

Do you have a hobby or leisure activity that you’re eager to pursue in retirement? Consider sharing your existing tips and knowledge and any future research you perform with your fellow hobbyists. Along the way, you can provide helpful product reviews and “how to” articles that are sure to inspire your audience and keep you happily (and profitably) engaged.

Niche possibilities abound and are limited only by your imagination. Take a look at the articles below to get your thoughts and creative juices flowing!

Step 2 – Build a Blog Website on the Best Platform

You have a lot of options when it comes to website builders. But it’s critical to understand that website building platforms are not all created equal. Make sure you understand any limitations or restrictions that are part and parcel of your chosen platform.

I strongly advise that you go with WordPress as your Content Management System (CMS). WordPress is the most widely used CMS on the Web, and the corresponding advantages are enormous. Your website is effectively the “storefront” of your online business venture.

I guarantee that you will relish the ability to personalize the look and feel of your site. WordPress sports more than 2,400 free themes along with thousands of free plugins. The design and functionality flexibility is unsurpassed before you begin to consider premium themes.

Moreover, you need to carefully consider where you build and host your website. Free options have obvious appeal. But free sites are not generally suitable for someone looking to generate a blogging income because of limitations imposed. Expect slow site speeds, lack of necessary security features, and minimal support.

SiteRubix Login Screen

My choice is SiteRubix, and I continue to view this platform as the best website builder and hosting solution for any small business. From one-click WordPress installation to unparalleled reliability, security, and support, SiteRubix delivers!

Step 3 – Understand How to Attract the Right Audience to Your Site Based on Their Needs and Interests

Attracting visitors to a website is primarily about creating high-quality content focused around the keywords that your target audience is searching for in Google. Researching low-competition keywords and then using basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles is the best way to get free organic traffic.

Here’s where persistence becomes an invaluable blogging trait. Affiliate marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme and please don’t let any online “gurus” tell you otherwise. Invariably, it takes at least 6 months and possibly as long as a year to start to see any significant traction with your blog.

There are two main reasons for the slow start. One is that it takes time to build credibility with the search engines. Your site may be indexed pretty quickly, but your early rankings will probably not be high. Google tends to take a “wait and see approach” with all new websites before they reward you with those coveted page 1 rankings.

Lack of significant content is another issue that limits your initial visibility in the search engines. Each new keyword-rich article you publish increases your probability of appearing in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). So, you have to power through those first few months and post new content on a regular and consistent basis.

Posting to social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Google Plus is another viable option for spreading the word and grabbing the attention of interested readers.

Step 4 – Convert Your Website Traffic Into a Revenue Stream

Once you have readers who are regularly visiting your site and consuming your content, you’re in a great position to begin earning revenue. You’ll want to partner with trusted vendors like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or thousands of other online merchants that offer affiliate programs.

Affiliate programs are free to join. As an affiliate, you can promote products that you personally use and believe in by adding unique affiliate links to your website. These links transport your readers to vendor sites where they may choose to purchase products.

Any time a lead that comes through your site completes a purchase transaction, you earn a commission. It’s a brilliant business model that benefits all parties involved.

  • Consumers can Google information and read product reviews that help them make more informed purchase decisions.
  • Vendors can get the word out about their products in a cost-effective manner and complete more sales.
  • Affiliates earn a commission and share in a portion of the profit earned from the sale (at no additional cost to the consumer).

A huge percentage of online sales involve an affiliate. Moreover, the affiliate marketing industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds because it makes good business sense!

The 4 steps detailed above represent a “blueprint” with a proven track record. Thousands of individuals have traversed this path to online earnings, and you can join them!

As Promised – Here’s What You Don’t Need to Achieve Blogging Success

There’s a lot of misinformation out there on the Web and many less than legitimate programs. So, it’s wise to be wary.

You don’t need:

  • Prior experience building websites. I know a lot of people are hesitant because they’re not tech savvy. And, they’ve never used a website builder before. But don’t let this hold you back. Complete newbies build beautiful websites every day.
  • A “done for you” website costing thousands of dollars. There are lots of companies that will play upon your insecurities. They try to tell you that you need their (very pricey) services to create a successful blog. Trust me; you don’t! Save your money and do it yourself. I did it and you can too!
  • Expensive training materials or platforms that frequently involve introductory offers and a lot of steep upsells. The best online training program available is modestly priced, includes all the resources you need to grow your business, and has no upsells

Wealthy Affiliate - Get the Training That Works

Summary

It’s an unfortunate fact that many seniors are not quite as well prepared for retirement as they might prefer. If you’re exploring retirement jobs for seniors to supplement your income, I hope you found today’s post helpful. Many seniors have found that working from home as a blogger and affiliate marketer is a viable alternative to traditional employment.

In my two years as a premium member of Wealthy Affiliate, an all-inclusive online training platform, I’ve been privileged to network with hundreds of seniors. Why not consider joining us as a free Starter Member to see if blogging might work for you, too!

You have nothing to lose, and you may just find a new calling!

Over to You

Is blogging something you’ve ever considered or tried in the past? Do you have any interesting niche ideas? Please ask any questions in the comment section below, and I’ll get back to you promptly. And, I hope you’ll share this information with any friends who might benefit.

Like It? Please Share It!

Learn to Earn at Home Online

 

Sharing is caring!

10 thoughts on “Retirement Jobs for Seniors: How to Make Money From Home”

  1. Whilst I am not technically retired, my circumstances mean that I need to find a way to work from home.
    I have heard of affiliate marketing before but didn’t really understand it. Your post makes it clearer for me.
    As you have worked online for 2 years, can you tell me how long it would take to start earning revenue if I were to work full time at it?

    Reply
    • Hi Karen.

      Thanks for reading my post and I’m glad I could add some clarity to a topic that most people don’t fully understand or appreciate. Your question regarding how long it will take to start earning an income is the most frequent question I receive. I wish I could give you a definitive answer but that’s not possible. You’ll be starting a business and there are a ton of variables that affect the process.

      I can tell you this. The platform i recommend you join, Wealthy Affiliate, has outstanding training and offers a blueprint that thousands of people have followed to success. If you follow the training, invest time and effort, and exercise patience results will come.

      Earning revenue as an affiliate marketer is a function of building traffic and that takes time. For the first few months you’ll have very little visibility in the search engines for two main reasons. One is that you have to create content and the other is that Google doesn’t reward new sites right away. You have to build trust and prove you’re in this for the long haul

      The fact that you can do this full-time is a huge benefit. If you follow the training closely and concentrate your efforts on creating excellent content that is helpful to the members of your niche, your traffic will grow. The best advice I can give you is to not get distracted from that purpose and to have patience with yourself and the process.

      I like to think of building traffic as slowly turning on a water faucet. Initially, there’s nothing but a trickle that gradually becomes a steady flow and eventually rushes full force. Each new piece of content you publish can increase your visibility with potential readers if you pay attention to the training, do your keyword research, and follow through. The more frequently you publish new content, the more likely you are to start seeing results.

      Based on the hundreds of success blogs I’ve read within Wealthy Affiliate, I’m going to say that 6 months is about the average time people start to see their first small successes (assuming they’ve had the patience and determination to stick with it). I can tell you it’s a thrill when you realize the process works! From there, it’s just a question of scaling 

      I know this was a really long-winded answer but I think what I’m trying to say is that the biggest unknown ingredient is you and how much you want it 🙂 I assure you that the process works! I hope you decide to invest in your future.

      Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Hello and thank you for this interesting article Linda. I am very interested in earning money online and creating online income. That is how I stumbled upon your website. I am really glad I did that though.

    You really provide great guidance on how money is made online and where to start. I am not a senior, but I am very interested in creating my online business. I think the main problem would be to pick a niche. 

    There are so many niches and markets to choose from, I am so overwhelmed. Can you help me and let me know, how did you manage to find your niche?

    Thank you in advance.

    Strahinja.

    Reply
    • Hi Strahinja.

      I too am very glad you stumbled upon my website. Making money online from home is certainly not limited to seniors. Nor is it necessary to be retired. Many people start a website on a part-time basis while still employed. It takes time to build a readership, so the sooner you take action the earlier you can begin to reap the rewards.

      You are absolutely right about the plethora of viable niches. That’s one of the most exciting aspects of affiliate marketing. Let your personal passions drive your niche choice and write about the things you love. It’s not work when you love what you do! My niche choice for this website was a natural offshoot of all the years I spent teaching. I love sharing affiliate marketing tips and tools with my readers and inspiring new entrepreneurs. I also enjoy the opportunity to connect with my target audience. I have more than 900 comments on my website and I respond to everyone.

      Here’s a great article called Choose a Niche that you should definitely peruse if you’re still struggling with your niche selection.

      If you see an online business in your future, please consider a free Starter Membership at Wealthy Affiliate. There’s an enormous quantity of useful information including hands-on website building experience that’s available at zero cost with no commitment. It’s an offer that you really can’t afford to turn down.

      I hope this helps!

      Reply
  3. Hi Linda, This is an excellent article with lots of information about retirement jobs for seniors and guideline tips for earning online. I like your idea about blogging and internet marketing. I think it needs time and hard labor to be successful in this field. I also have started this journey by joining wealthy affiliate marketing as a premium member and I also have purchased domain with hosting. I found this article is important for me and I’m going to bookmark your website for my future use. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

    Reply
    • Hi Mzakapon,

      I’m excited to hear you’re on your way to a successful online business. I sincerely hope you enjoy Wealthy Affiliate every bit as much as I do. The community is amazing so never be afraid to ask questions as they come up. 

      Please get in touch with me on the WA platform. I would love to follow your success and visit your new website. Thanks for chiming in and I wish you all the best!

      Reply
  4. Linda let me say you have done good job in believing  in our senior citizens.  They still have so much to  accomplish  after they have left active service and  for sure you have shown them an alternative  way of working at home full time. Blogging sounds like a good job and you can still make a decent income  out of it. Thank you for the good work

    Reply
    • Hi Charles,

      As a senior citizen myself, I will certainly agree that we still have much to offer 🙂 Blogging is my passion and something i highly recommend to seniors and pretty much anyone else looking to earn money from home. It takes work, but what doesn’t? The potential to eventually earn a very nice income surely exists.

      It sounds like you’re still “toying” with the idea of blogging and creating your own online business. If that’s the case, please accept my invitation to join Wealthy Affiliate as a free Starter Member. You will not regret this exceptional opportunity to learn the basics of building a website and launching an online business.

      Reply
  5. Hey Linda,

    I agree that affiliate marketing is one of the best ways of making money from home and you have clearly laid out the whole process of how affiliate marketing works. 

    I have been involved in affiliate marketing for a while, and am struggling with traffic and conversions. I am thinking of buying traffic. What would you suggest?

    Blessed and all the success to you.

    Reply
    • Hi Shui,

      Congratulations on your decision to become an affiliate marketer. It’s a wonderful field filled with opportunities. But you do have to keep in mind that it’s not an activity where you’re going to accomplish overnight success. Initially, we all struggle with traffic and conversions. It takes time to create the well-articulated, quality content that will draw readers to your site. 

      You’ve asked for my opinion on buying traffic. Frankly, I never recommend that approach. Of course we need traffic and more eyes viewing our posts. But the key is to attract RELEVANT traffic. That’s accomplished by continually adding content that provides solutions and answers the questions of your target market. For example, this website has 110 posts, 9 pages and well over 900 comments that are specifically directed towards individuals interested in making money online. How do I know what questions my audience has? I do keyword research and then draft content to address those keywords that folks are searching for.

      Buying traffic is not the way to go because it’s not targeted traffic. Many of the people who click on your site will have no interest at all in the topic. You may boost your traffic numbers but these people are unlikely to buy. In fact, buying traffic may have a negative impact on your website because these individuals are unlikely to stay around for long and may have a negative impact on your site’s dwell time.

      Organic traffic from Google and the other search engines is the way to go. I like to say that success in affiliate marketing relies on the 3 Ps:  Passion, Persistence, and Patience. Choose a topic that aligns with something you are passionate about and then keep adding content until the search engines’s begin to trust you and send you readers. I use effective SEO techniques and I assure you it works.

      Stick with it, Shui and thanks for commenting!

      Reply

Leave a Comment