Journal logo

This Is Why You’re Struggling to Make Money Online

Making money online is far from easy

By Edina Jackson-Yussif Published about a year ago 3 min read
This Is Why You’re Struggling to Make Money Online
Photo by Ali Mkumbwa on Unsplash

Making money online has become one of the most sought-after goals in today’s digital age. With stories of people building six-figure businesses from the comfort of their homes, it’s no wonder many are drawn to the idea. Yet, despite the promises of quick wealth, countless people find themselves struggling to make even a modest income online. If you're one of them, you're not alone—but understanding why you’re facing these challenges is the first step to overcoming them.

Unclear Goals and Direction

One of the biggest reasons people struggle is a lack of clarity. The online world is vast, and without clear goals, it’s easy to get lost. You might start a blog one week, switch to dropshipping the next, and end up trying to become a social media influencer the week after. This constant pivoting prevents you from gaining the momentum needed to succeed in any one area. To overcome this, choose a niche that genuinely interests you and set specific, measurable goals. The more focused you are, the easier it will be to build expertise and a loyal audience.

Lack of Consistency

Consistency is key in the online world. Whether you’re creating content, building a brand, or engaging with your audience, showing up regularly is crucial. Many people start strong but quickly lose steam when they don’t see immediate results. Unfortunately, success online is rarely instant. It requires patience and a commitment to consistent effort. Even when it feels like no one is watching, keep going—every piece of content, every interaction, and every small step forward adds up over time.

Poor Time Management

The flexibility of working online is a double-edged sword. While it offers freedom, it also requires excellent time management skills. Without a structured schedule, it’s easy to get distracted by social media, endless research, or other non-essential tasks. Time is your most valuable resource, and if you’re not using it wisely, you’ll find yourself spinning your wheels. Create a daily routine, prioritize high-impact tasks, and set boundaries to ensure you’re making the most of your time.

Focusing on the Wrong Strategies

With so much information available, it’s easy to fall into the trap of following the latest trends without fully understanding what works for you. Not all strategies are created equal, and what works for one person might not work for you. Instead of chasing every new opportunity, focus on strategies that align with your skills, interests, and resources. Whether it’s affiliate marketing, content creation, or selling digital products, find your sweet spot and double down on what you do best.

Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a silent killer of dreams. Many people hold themselves back because they’re afraid of making mistakes or being judged. This fear can manifest as procrastination, self-doubt, or an unwillingness to take risks. But here’s the truth: failure is an inevitable part of the journey. Every successful online entrepreneur has faced setbacks and learned from them. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and use it to refine your approach.

Not Investing in Yourself

Success online often requires an investment—whether in education, tools, or outsourcing tasks. Many people hesitate to spend money because they’re unsure of the return on investment. However, without the right knowledge and resources, you’re limiting your potential. Consider investing in courses, coaching, or software that can help streamline your processes and accelerate your progress. Think of it as planting seeds that will grow into a thriving business.

Lack of Authenticity

In a world saturated with content, authenticity stands out. People are drawn to those who are genuine and relatable. If you’re trying to imitate someone else’s style or pretending to be something you’re not, it’s likely to backfire. Be true to yourself, share your unique perspective, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful online venture.

In Conclusion

Struggling to make money online is a common experience, but it’s not insurmountable. By addressing these key areas—clarity, consistency, time management, strategy, mindset, investment, and authenticity—you can start to see real progress in your online endeavors. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight; but with persistence and the right approach, it’s well within your reach.

So, what’s been your biggest challenge in making money online? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

advice

About the Creator

Edina Jackson-Yussif

I write about lifestyle, entrepreneurship and other things.

Writer for hire [email protected]

Entrepreneur

Software Developer + Machine Learning Specialist

Founder:

➡️Creator Vibes Club

➡️Article Flow Club

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.