Get More Local Customers with Simple, Affordable Digital Marketing

I help UK small businesses grow online with results-driven websites, social media, and ads — without the confusing tech or agency nonsense.

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who am i?

Hi, I’m Ben Massey, a UK-based web designer and digital marketing expert.
I work with local tradesmen, salons, cafés, and service providers to turn their online presence into real business growth.

Most small business owners struggle with one (or more) of these:

❌ No website or a site that doesn’t bring in leads

❌ No time for social media

❌ Wasting money on ads that don’t work

❌ Confusing tech and tools that never seem to help

That’s where I come in — I make digital marketing simple, effective, and affordable so you can focus on running your business.

Helping UK Businesses Get Found Online

All the tools you need in one platform without having to "duct-tape" multiple platforms together!

Capture

Capture leads using our landing pages, surveys, forms, calendars, inbound phone system & more!

Nurture

Automatically message leads via voicemail, forced calls, SMS, emails, FB Messenger & more!

Close

Use our built in tools to collect payments, schedule appointments, and track analytics!

Running a small business is hard enough marketing shouldn’t make it harder. I help UK businesses grow by taking care of the digital side of things, so you can focus on doing what you do best.

Why Work With Me

✅ Personal, one-to-one service — no agencies or middlemen
✅ Based in Middlesbrough, helping businesses across the UK
✅ Simple, transparent pricing — no contracts or hidden costs
✅ Backed by tools and automation from BGN Digital, my agency

If you’re a UK business owner who’s tired of struggling with websites, social media, or ads that don’t work — let’s fix that.

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Making Money Online: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Start

Making Money Online

September 04, 2025•3 min read

Making Money Online: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Start

Has anyone actually tried making money online before calling it “fake”? 🤔

Every day I see people saying online income is a scam or “too good to be true.” The funny thing is, most of these critics have never tried anything themselves — or they tried one method and assumed all of it is fake.

I’ve personally made money online, and I’ve also tried things that failed spectacularly.

Today, I want to break it down for you — the real ways to make money online, the ones to avoid, and tips to get started safely.

✅ Real Ways to Make Money Online

These methods actually work — they’re legitimate, sustainable, and scalable.

1. Freelancing

Offer your skills online: web design, graphic design, copywriting, video editing, virtual assistance, or programming.
Why it works: People pay for skills. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour make it easy to find clients.
Tip: Start small, build a portfolio, and gradually increase your rates.

2. Website Design & Development

Build websites for clients using WordPress, Wix, Shopify, or custom coding.
Why it works: Every business needs a website. You can earn hundreds or even thousands per site.

3. Digital Marketing & Ads

Manage social media accounts, run Facebook/Google Ads, and help businesses grow online.
Why it works: Companies pay for results. If you can get them leads or sales, you get paid.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products online and earn a commission per sale.
Why it works: You don’t need products or inventory — you just share links.
Examples: Amazon Associates, Awin, ClickBank or even my own website affiliate program

5. Selling Digital Products

Create e-books, templates, guides, stock photos, or online courses and sell them repeatedly.
Why it works: Passive income — create once, sell many times.
Tip: Solve a real problem. Even simple guides or templates can sell if they save people time or effort.

6. Online Courses & Coaching

Teach skills online or offer personal coaching.
Platforms: Teachable, Udemy, Gumroad.
Tip: Focus on one niche where you have real experience.

7. Content Creation

YouTube, TikTok, Instagram: monetize via ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
Blogging: monetize via AdSense, sponsored posts, or affiliate products.

8. E-Commerce

Dropshipping: Sell products without holding stock.
Reselling: Buy low, sell high on eBay, Etsy, or Amazon.

9. Subscription Services

Paid newsletters (Substack), Patreon for exclusive content, or membership sites.

10. Remote Work / Online Jobs

Customer support, virtual assistant, transcription, tutoring.
Platforms: LinkedIn, Tutorful (UK).

11. Stock Photography & Video

Sell your photos or videos on Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Pond5.

12. Print-on-Demand

Sell T-shirts, mugs, phone cases with custom designs — no inventory needed.

13. App or Software Development

Build apps, plugins, or tools and sell subscriptions or licenses.

❌ Methods That Usually Don’t Work / Are Risky

Multi-Level Marketing (MLMs): Most people lose money; only a few at the top profit.
Pay-Per-Click / Ad Profit Schemes: Usually a net loss.
“Get Rich Quick” Offers: Instant money promises rarely deliver.
Sports Betting / Tipster Systems: Long-term profitability is unlikely.
Cryptocurrency Pump-and-Dump / Trading Systems: Highly risky, unregulated.
Online Surveys & Microtasks: Low pay, lots of time.
Fake Investment Platforms: Ponzi schemes, high-yield scams.
“Click and Earn” Sites / Mobile Apps: Claims like “£100/day for clicks” are mostly scams.
Unverified Remote Jobs: Jobs that require upfront payment for “training” are scams.
Auto-Bots / Fake Followers: Short-term gains only, can get accounts banned.

Tips for Success Online

Focus on skills that create value: Businesses pay for results, not promises.
Ignore hype: Anything that promises instant wealth is probably fake.
Start small, grow gradually: Offer your services or products, learn, then scale.
Be consistent: Online income takes time to grow.
Track results: Focus on what actually makes money.

make money onlineonlinebusiness

Ben Massey

digital strategist and web designer based in Middlesbrough, and I’ve spent most of my working life asking one question: what really makes people buy?

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What I Do

Website Design

Your website shouldn’t just look nice — it should get you more customers. I build mobile-friendly, SEO-optimised websites for small UK businesses, including trades, salons, cafés, and local service providers. My websites are designed to:

Rank on Google for local searches
Convert visitors into enquiries or bookings
Look professional on all devices

Whether you need a one-page starter site, a full e-commerce store, or a booking system, I create websites that help you get found by customers in your area.

Social Media Management

No time to post or grow your Facebook and Instagram? I’ve got you covered.
I manage your social media so it builds trust, engages followers, and drives more local customers to your business. My services include:

Branded posts and stories tailored to your business
Growth strategies to increase followers in your area
Engagement with local audiences to bring customers through the door

💬 Message Me on Facebook – Let’s grow your local following

Learn More

Graphic Design

Stand out from competitors with professional branding. I design:

Logos that tell your brand story
Business cards, flyers, posters to attract local customers
Cohesive branding across online and offline platformss

Book a Call – Make your business unforgettable

Facebook & Google Ads for Local Leads

Stop wasting money on ads that don’t convert. I run targeted Facebook and Google ad campaigns designed to:

Reach people in your town or city looking for your services
Increase calls, bookings, and foot traffic
Provide measurable results, not just clicks

Text Me – Start generating local leads today

How my software Drives Local Growth

Start simplifying your systems and focusing on the quality work you love.

24/7 LEAD

CAPTURE

Automatically engage leads via SMS, web chat, and forms, even when you're busy on a job.

SPEED-TO-LEAD SYSTEM Instantly

Instantly route new enquiries into our CRM pipeline to guarantee a 5−minute follow-up.

AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS

Use the visual builder to automate follow-up, reminders, and staff delegation, freeing up hours of admin time.

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

Get a constant stream of 5−star Google reviews on autopilot to secure your local ranking.

Join Our Growth Journey?

Let’s create something that matches your vision

and sparks true outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a website?

Most websites are completed within 7–14 days, depending on how complex the project is and how quickly you provide content like images or text.

Can you manage my social media for me?

Yes! I offer monthly social media management packages that include custom posts, captions, and engagement so you can stay visible without lifting a finger.

Do you offer affordable options for small businesses?

Absolutely. I specialise in working with small, local businesses across the UK, offering simple and affordable digital solutions without long contracts or surprise fees.

Will my website work on mobiles?

100%. All websites I build are mobile-friendly and look great on phones, tablets, and desktops – giving your visitors the best experience no matter what device they use.

Do you run Facebook and Google ads?

Yes – I create and manage high-converting Facebook and Google ads designed to bring in local leads. Whether you're new to ads or need better results, I’ve got you covered.