I would like to share my experience, thoughts, and future plans in a fascinating and promising field — earning money online in an honest and sustainable way.
“The internet is a real workplace where hard work and persistence can indeed bring results.”
I began exploring the internet as an additional income source about eight years ago. I had been familiar with computers since their earliest days — back in the 1990s, when personal computers first started appearing for public use. They were extremely expensive then, and few people could afford them privately.
At that time, I was working as a navigation officer on merchant ships. It was a well-funded company, and the vessels were equipped accordingly. That was also where I first gained practical experience with computers. They significantly simplified many paperwork-related tasks; nothing compared to typing on a mechanical typewriter. There was even a queue to use the ship’s computer.
Today, technology evolves at a breathtaking pace. We now carry smartphones in our pockets that outperform those large, slow desktops many times over. It is difficult to imagine what the next ten years will bring.
“A computer and the internet are everyday essentials.”
Looking back eight years, the internet was already well developed, and personal computers and laptops were widely accessible. My first real introduction to online earning opportunities came from a colleague’s friend who told me about Forex.
I became interested, and without waiting long, I started experimenting. Without diving deep into Forex mechanics, I will simply say this: it is a real opportunity to earn money, but statistically only about 5% succeed. It is demanding, requires extensive knowledge, natural aptitude, and carries considerable risk. I don’t remember everything now, but I never experienced major losses from Forex.
The internet at that time was already full of offers promising “easy riches.” The future seemed bright and tempting. I wanted to try many things — and I did. I paid for programs, joined various offers, and explored countless opportunities.
“Gambling will inevitably put you in the red.”
I don’t remember every detail, but naturally, I also tried gambling. Not so much traditional online casinos, but online football betting. Imagine having $5,000 of real money and continuing to play… The outcome is predictable — a “0” balance at best, but more often a loss.
Honestly, I’m somewhat proud that I managed to overcome this habit and stop. So many families worldwide suffer because of gambling. It is, in many ways, harder to overcome than drinking or smoking.
It is a habit — not the so-called “disease” often promoted by certain industries. Even the Soviet Union classified it as a harmful habit until 1958. But that is a topic for another time.
“Google AdSense”
After about a year of searching and experimenting, I came across something more grounded. I purchased and joined a training program called the Micro Niche AdSense Course.
Looking back, it was an honest and valuable place to learn. I learned how to build a website from scratch and participated in numerous webinars. Since they were hosted from Canada, I often had to wake up at 2 or 3 a.m., but I enjoyed it and learned a lot.
The program taught how to earn money using Google AdSense by creating micro-niche websites with exact-match domain names (EMDs). Google places relevant paid ads on your site, and you earn a percentage from the clicks.
This method still exists today and will remain viable as long as Google exists. It still works to some extent, but due to constant updates and algorithm changes, it no longer functions the same way it once did.
“Internet Marketing + honesty = guaranteed long-term success.”
From personal experience, I can say this: if you want to succeed in Internet Marketing (IM), you must play fair. What do I mean by that? For beginners — and even for those with some experience — I strongly emphasize this: your content must be original. No copying. Original content is, today and tomorrow, the cornerstone of online success.
After several major Google updates — often called the “Google Zoo” due to names like Panda and Penguin — my websites gradually disappeared from the top search results and eventually became unfindable.
As this continued, I was ready to quit. It felt disappointing — so much work and effort invested. And money too, although I consider that an investment in knowledge, something only a coffin can erase.
“Don’t fear your English. Just begin, and success will follow.”
One important point for succeeding in IM is knowledge of English. Whether we like it or not, the main markets are the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia — English-speaking countries.
From my experience, you do not need Oxford-level English. We often underestimate ourselves. The most important thing is simply to start. You get engaged, and progress follows. Manuals, webinars, and training improve your skills naturally. Writing is a bit harder because reading and listening are passive skills, while writing and speaking are active ones. One of my university teachers advised us to speak as much as possible without overthinking grammar — and it truly works.
“Wealthy Affiliate — so far the best platform you can join.”
Just when I was ready to quit, I came across a community and training platform called Wealthy Affiliate (WA). I’ve been part of this community for five months now, and I’m genuinely grateful — whether to God, luck, or simple coincidence — that I didn’t miss this opportunity to work for myself with confidence, enjoyment, and real results.
If you prefer not to read my thoughts or reflections on what I’ve learned, you can simply skip it — but it may be worth seeing what WA is all about.
Before ending my “About Me” page, I want to emphasize that checking out WA will not cost you a cent. Even better, you can create two fully functional WordPress websites completely free. You will also gain access to most training programs and courses. And you can do this even as a complete beginner. All you need is basic computer skills, some English, and the time to learn and create.
Next, I will share a bit more from my personal experience.
See you soon, and best of luck!
I would greatly appreciate your thoughts, suggestions, feedback, and questions. You can leave your comments below the article. Whenever I have a free moment, I will do my best to respond and discuss.
With respect,
Andrejs
