21 simple ways to make money without doing anything

Those extra cents really add up. frankieleon/Flickr

The INSIDER Summary:

• If you're willing to put in the initial work, these methods of making money will insure that you'll be receiving payment far into the future.

1. Become a referral source for local businesses.

This guy looks like he's doing a good job. Maybe he'll give you some cash if you refer him to a friend. REUTERS/Katarina Stoltz

A lot of small, locally focused businesses — like landscapers, electricians, and home improvement companies — spread by word-of-mouth. Many of them pay referral fees for people to help spread the good word about their business.

2. Write a book and get royalties.

Okay, so this one takes a bit of work. But lets say you're an expert on a subject. On Marissa Mayer and the company Yahoo!. for example (now available in paperback ). Once you actually write the book and put your expertise to paper, then get it published, you're pretty much done.

From then on, whenever people buy your book, you get paid in royalties. The precise amount of royalties are contingent on your contract with the book publisher.

If you self publish on Amazon or another self-publishing platform, there are standardized contracts that pay out depending on how many people download the ebook or read it throughВ Amazon's ebook-lending program.

3. Create an online course and get paid for it.

This person is looking for an online class on the subject of your expertise, probably. Shutterstock

Let's say you're an expert in a subject, but don't think that a book is the right way to communicate the knowledge you want to share. В

4. Make a website and get advertisement revenue.

Like this, but on the internet. LyleSMU102/Flickr

If you're an expert in a subject, but that subject isn't fitВ for a book project or an online course, set up a website!

5. Or make a YouTube video guide.

If you're an expert on making the world's largest Nerf gun, for example, go on YouTube and teach the world. Youtube/Mark Rober

Stick with me. Let's say you're an expert on a subject, but the best way to convey your information isn't in a book, an online course, or a post on the web. В Instead, consider making a YouTube video.

YouTube is filled with thousands and thousands of guides on every topic imaginable. If you're an expert on how to do a factory reset on an iPhone, you can make a video aboutВ that. If you're an illustrator and want to explain the vocabulary of your trade, you can make a video about that.

As with the web, YouTube lets you set up ads on your videos. People searching for those subjects will find your videos, watch them, and then the ad revenue will roll in indefinitely.

6. If you already have a website, use referral links.

7. Be in a commercial.

How much do you think LeBron made for this commercial? YouTube/Beats by Dre

Any actor will tell you that getting an acting gig — even a commercial — is tough. If you live in a major metropolitan area, though, it isn't as difficult to become an extra.