Are you dreaming of leaving the traditional 9-to-5 behind to travel the world while working online?
You're not alone. The digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular, especially as more people seek freedom and flexibility in their careers.
The number of digital nomads has increased by 147% since 2019 according to a study done by MBO Partners.
However, the path to becoming a successful digital nomad can vary greatly depending on the income strategy you choose. Some methods are straightforward, while others require time, patience, and a bit of luck.
In this article, we explore the easiest and hardest ways to become a digital nomad, breaking down the pros and cons of each approach.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your remote work strategy, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
The Hardest Way: Content Creation
Content creation is often seen as the pinnacle of online success.
Think about YouTube influencers, bloggers, podcasters, and social media personalities who make substantial incomes through ad revenue, sponsorships, and brand deals.
It sounds like a dream job, right? Well, it can be – but it’s also one of the hardest ways to become a digital nomad.
Why is content creation so difficult?
Building a sustainable income through content creation takes time, dedication, and a lot of hard work.
It’s not just about creating videos or writing blogs; it's about consistently producing high-quality content, building a loyal audience, and figuring out how to monetise that audience. For every viral sensation, there are countless creators who struggle to get noticed.
Pros:
Creative freedom and the ability to share your passions.
Potential for significant income once established.
The opportunity to influence and inspire others.
Cons:
Requires significant time and effort to build an audience.
Initial income is often low or nonexistent.
Constant pressure to stay relevant and produce content.
The Second Hardest: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is another popular route for digital nomads, involving promoting other people's products and earning a commission on sales made through your referral links.
It’s an attractive option because it doesn’t require creating your own products, but it does come with its own set of challenges.
What makes affiliate marketing challenging?
To be successful, you need a platform to promote these products, like a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following.
Without a substantial audience, it can be tough to generate significant income. Additionally, the competition is fierce, and you need to build trust with your audience to drive conversions.
Pros:
No need to create your own products.
Potential for passive income once content is published.
Can be highly profitable with a large audience.
Cons:
Requires an existing platform or large following.
Income can be unpredictable and competitive.
Must build and maintain trust with your audience.
Middle Ground: E-commerce and Dropshipping
E-commerce and dropshipping sit in the middle of the difficulty spectrum. This involves selling products online without holding inventory yourself. Platforms like Amazon FBA have made this business model more accessible, but it’s not without its hurdles.
Why is e-commerce moderately difficult?
While it’s easier to get started compared to content creation, e-commerce requires finding reliable suppliers, managing customer service, and navigating logistics.
The market is also highly competitive, and finding a profitable niche can be challenging.
Pros:
Low startup costs and the ability to operate from anywhere.
Scalable business model with the right niche.
You have control over your business and product line.
Cons:
Finding reliable suppliers and managing logistics can be difficult.
High competition and thin profit margins.
Requires ongoing management of customer service and returns.
The Second Easiest Way: Remote Employment
Getting a remote role in a company is one of the more accessible ways to become a digital nomad, especially in the post-pandemic world where remote work has become mainstream. Many companies now offer fully remote positions, providing a stable income while allowing you to work from various locations. That said, there are usually some restrictions - for example, working from anywhere within America or APAC.
Why is remote employment relatively easy?
Unlike starting your own business, working remotely for a company provides job security, a steady paycheck, and often benefits like health insurance. However, it does come with its own set of challenges, such as time zone differences and the lack of control over your work hours.
Pros:
Stable income and job security.
Benefits like health insurance are often included.
Flexibility to work remotely.
Cons:
Usually still geographical limits on where you can work.
You cannot be your own boss.
Less control over work hours and projects.
The Easiest Way: Offering Online Professional Services
In our experience, the easiest and most effective way to become a digital nomad is by offering online services in your area of expertise.
Whether you're a online coach, online consultant, or service provider, this model allows you to leverage your skills and work with clients from anywhere in the world.
Why is offering online services the easiest?
How do you start an online business? If you already have a skill set that’s in demand, it’s relatively simple to start offering services online. You don’t need a large following, significant startup costs, or inventory management. Plus, you have the flexibility to set your own rates and choose your clients.
Pros:
Easy to get started using your existing skills and expertise.
High profit margins with low overhead costs.
Flexibility to choose clients and set your own rates.
Cons:
Requires marketing efforts and client management.
Winning your first client can take time when you start out.
Competition can be high, but having a strong niche helps.
Conclusion: Choose the Path That Suits You Best
There are many ways to earn money as a digital nomad, and each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.
The key is to choose the path that aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term goals.
Careful planning should be taken. But whatever route you choose, the digital nomad lifestyle offers a unique opportunity to blend work with travel.
If you're interested in starting your journey by offering online services and want guidance on how to begin, feel free to reach out to Niluka Kavanagh or the ImagineThat website.
You can also join over 600 people in the ImagineThat community for more information and insights. Sign up here.
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